tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61095984690004580442024-03-19T14:44:26.887-07:00Tiffany NiCoe on the GoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-63518773180385328412013-09-27T08:53:00.003-07:002013-09-27T08:53:41.309-07:00Rock and Roll Like Gump<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vFfy-jBXEo89vwPIukX_OGHFrlaVV9G6TUpf848eZvNll7Q2W2dapcuBUt85Ay9uooJcv_2GkUfIUI9MgFc4nfEUQcBhrBzhGox8Z42oJjerZD9BzAE2-9fBYGVqiPBUNa43GsLDzdY/s1600/PAL+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vFfy-jBXEo89vwPIukX_OGHFrlaVV9G6TUpf848eZvNll7Q2W2dapcuBUt85Ay9uooJcv_2GkUfIUI9MgFc4nfEUQcBhrBzhGox8Z42oJjerZD9BzAE2-9fBYGVqiPBUNa43GsLDzdY/s320/PAL+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<!--[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="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The morning chill left my breath visible in the pre-dawn
darkness. The sun had not risen over
Palmer Ranch yet as the crowd of runners had begun to gather. I had my timing chip, my bib number, and even
better, a long sleeved dry fit shirt from my race packet. It was Florida but it was November and the morning
was colder than any we had experienced in a while. My fingers were shaky. Maybe it was the cold… or maybe it was my
pre-race nerves. My husband and I made
our way to the starting line and found our respective corrals. “2 hours and 10 minutes Tiffany, you can do
this” I kept telling myself as I got in behind the 2 hour pace runner. I had no iPod, no music. Just me and my thoughts and my aspirations of
10 minute split times for my first “fast and flat” half marathon. I tucked my gel packs into my back pocket and
waited for the clock to count down.</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The sun was first making an appearance over the horizon as the
race began. “Slow and steady, slow and
steady” I repeated to myself. I looked
down at my GPS watch. I had it on the wrong
setting. It was on Kilometers and not
miles. So much for knowing my pace…</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I reached the first mile mark before I was even expecting
it. The volunteer there shouted out the
time as each runner passed. “8:30” she
said as I slipped past mile 1. Had I
started out too fast? Was I setting
myself up for failure? I didn’t know.
I just kept running. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Miles 2 and 3 passed.
Then miles 4, 5, and 6. My times
were almost identical at around 9 minute miles.
When I reached 7 miles… I knew I was set in that cadence. Nothing was going to stop me from achieving a
sub 2 hour half marathon time at that point.
I was over halfway there and I had committed myself to running that race
pace for the duration.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Miles 9 and 10 came and went. I had used up both gels at that point and had
made every water stop. The streets were
lined with well-wishers. They had signs,
bells, and cheered and clapped as the droves of runners passed by them. I couldn’t help but smile. I felt amazing. Tired.. but definitely amazing. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I wasn’t expecting to turn that corner on mile 12 when I did. One. More. Mile (and an extra tenth of
course). I didn’t even stop at the 12
mile water stop. The anticipation and
desire to reach the finish line were all I could think of. “I might actually do this!”. My mind was racing. I knew that the 2 hour pace runner was
somewhere behind me. Not far behind me,
but behind me nonetheless. I was going
to do it.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was approaching the finish line when I saw my husband in the
crowd with his head down watching the time on his phone. I knew he wasn’t expecting me for 10 more
minutes. It took everything I had to
yell his name as loud as I could above the roar of the crowd around. I saw the clock ticking way. 1:58… 1:58:30, 1:58:40…</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I gave my one last push to cross the line at 1:58:56. I had done it. I knew that mingled in the sweat dripping
down my face there were tears of joy. I
felt accomplished. The early mornings,
the strict diet, the weekend training… it had all paid off. I even managed to finish 3<sup>rd</sup> in my
age group that day. I was hooked. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And I have been ever since.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We went on to run t<span style="font-size: large;">h<span style="font-size: large;">e Rock and R<span style="font-size: large;">oll St. Pet<span style="font-size: large;">ersburg half marathon in <span style="font-size: large;">the following February. Bu<span style="font-size: large;">t now, I've con<span style="font-size: large;">quered the 13.1. I need<span style="font-size: large;"> more.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFfw17auCIk80_ciUro25oNp3gLmr_F1tu24r4oKQhUzm1qSfMsjiyrOwglKsI5AShqxu46H2vir0igXtMXpQc8I6903LWnY75u0h0qi2VojyGZAamUxKs_jR0uyMWn6-lbi3vt2NrPI/s1600/Rockandrollcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFfw17auCIk80_ciUro25oNp3gLmr_F1tu24r4oKQhUzm1qSfMsjiyrOwglKsI5AShqxu46H2vir0igXtMXpQc8I6903LWnY75u0h0qi2VojyGZAamUxKs_jR0uyMWn6-lbi3vt2NrPI/s320/Rockandrollcollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> So this is the year.
This is the year that my husband and I run a full marathon. 26.2 miles of perseverance, sweat, and maybe
some tears. But this will be no small
feat. It will take some serious
training, discipline, and a lot of will-power.
I mean, where do you even start to train for running that distance? In my little hometown, that would be longer
than the distance from the Stanton Mountain Parkway Exit to the I64 interchange
(I know all my Powell County folks are now thinking, “that’s absolutely crazy!”).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Good thing I have an Exercise Scientist by my side who
always does his research. If we were
going to train, we had reduce our risk of injury as much as possible. If we were going to do it, we had to give it
our best shot and deliver our best performance.
If we were going to do it, we were going to do it right.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The solution?</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A book called <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/159486649X?tag=furminstofrun-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=159486649X&adid=0P3MX0ESVQB1JGHDCC54&">Run
Less, Run Faster</a></i>. The authors
are from <a href="http://www2.furman.edu/sites/first/Pages/default.aspx">Furman
University’s FIRST program</a> and have spent years developing various running
programs. I won’t spoil the book because
it details a lot of their work, but I will tell you, if you plan on training
for a race, this is an excellent resource.
You can even get it on Amazon for as little as $4.00. </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oSruIvZb_2V2bwTjynLcauvfgBreArP1yqBatvvG7cU0wUeezRRuqMTinDCnPUVERjg2QSqdlg3qrlx4Vub6PbQpWs0d0GeY5wweqRcHufXiBgCMV6tRMEhTnXruSl2_B66oNTf57CU/s1600/run+less+run+faster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oSruIvZb_2V2bwTjynLcauvfgBreArP1yqBatvvG7cU0wUeezRRuqMTinDCnPUVERjg2QSqdlg3qrlx4Vub6PbQpWs0d0GeY5wweqRcHufXiBgCMV6tRMEhTnXruSl2_B66oNTf57CU/s320/run+less+run+faster.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It has pages and pages of race tables in 10 second
increments to help you calculate your paces for the various runs. You will do one short run to improve <a href="http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/anatomyandphysiology/a/VO2_max.htm">VO2
max</a>, one medium run to improve your racing tempo and a longer run day to
improve distance.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The best part? It can
start you out at a 5K. The book covers
common racing distances from 5K’s to Boston Qualifiers. Even if you are a novice runner, there’s a
plan in it for you.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve had people ask me how to prepare for races. Well, if you plan on running a road race, I
couldn’t do this book justice. It does
all of the pacing and calculating for you, you simply have to adhere to it and
put in the work. It will help you
customize your plan to your pace.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cameron and I are 9 weeks out from our Marathon and in just
the 7 weeks we’ve been training, I can see the merits of the book. Three runs a week keep up from getting run
down and each run has a specific purpose. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ll be honest, I’m a distance runner and the sprint days,
well… the sprinting/speed work days are not my friend. But you know what? When I’m finished, I know it had a purpose
and I can feel myself getting better.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know the proof will come on December 8<sup>th</sup> when I
run the <a href="http://www.usroadsports.com/Signature/PalmBeach/">Palm Beaches
Marathon</a> but so far, this book is working for us. Maybe it will work for you too :) </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>Goal Time for the marathon:
4:20:00 (a 10 minute mile)</i></b></span></span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>Above average performance:
4:10:00 (9:33m/mile)</i></b></span></span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>Excellent performance: 4:00:00
or less (9:09m/mile or less)</i></b></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-2684401010900443902013-09-24T03:58:00.001-07:002013-09-24T04:07:33.255-07:00The Sky's a Different Blue<!--[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:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</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]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OHTsD3QaDoN-TDQX_hzwIVDAP0aCcf-bzUh_HW5a3ed-sVtuPNKXX4chdpblaqsBlKxXgMqHTyudwPWaqtIf_UVpRZ5hlP4VtwoDbozhcsw_a4R0IpQDFnyT5g7v2wJTD1b9DBcPhM0/s1600/bridescollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OHTsD3QaDoN-TDQX_hzwIVDAP0aCcf-bzUh_HW5a3ed-sVtuPNKXX4chdpblaqsBlKxXgMqHTyudwPWaqtIf_UVpRZ5hlP4VtwoDbozhcsw_a4R0IpQDFnyT5g7v2wJTD1b9DBcPhM0/s320/bridescollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">The sun slowly slipped down behind the Appalachian foothills
surrounding Fern Hill Farm. The guests
were dressed in their Sunday best and were waiting patiently for the ceremony
to start. The beautiful bride arrived in
a cranberry colored 1930’s Ford that Gatsby himself would have envied. Dressed
in ivory and clutching her bouquet of crimson flowers her father had grown and
arranged himself, she was the perfect mixture of homegrown and high
fashion. All the planning and the stress
and the dress fittings, all the food tasting and the sleepless nights, all the
fuss and the long distance arrangements dealing with a bridesmaid 900 miles
away (yours truly of course) had all come down to this. They had the flowers and the rings and their
vows and the music. They had a feast of
BBQ and homemade pie waiting and they had the perfect weather on a Kentucky
August night. Most of all, they had a
host of family and friends, myself included surrounding them as they embarked
on the journey of being husband and wife.
It was a whirlwind of emotion and I barely had time to prepare myself to
do it all over again. Oh yeah… remember
that little black dress I was supposed to wear for this joyous occasion? It fit :)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OxnocFAHZEfWl9mi2S9t3nGDiwv7CMfJin-VDUQWZC5lCwSvH-aj7SzepPauzLiTOlldAv7UTTzFAdt7OK38LCc4-isCzH0twla9ovMKG9kX3jnCDU9Xu8MsPiuO616TvabAFuNlvGY/s1600/annie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OxnocFAHZEfWl9mi2S9t3nGDiwv7CMfJin-VDUQWZC5lCwSvH-aj7SzepPauzLiTOlldAv7UTTzFAdt7OK38LCc4-isCzH0twla9ovMKG9kX3jnCDU9Xu8MsPiuO616TvabAFuNlvGY/s320/annie1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">Three weeks passed and I hopped a plane back to Kentucky. Tucked safely in my carry-on luggage were a
strappy pair of silver heels and more importantly, a size 6 plum colored
bridesmaid dress. I hadn’t tried it on
since April… when I was 10 lbs lighter.
I was mentally preparing myself for going to buy some spanx and
practicing shallow breathing, you know…
just in case I had to suck it in to keep from busting out. I texted the bride (my cousin) and told her I
wanted to apologize in advance if I looked like a busted can of biscuits on her
special day. In true snarky family
style, she replied “you better be glad I love you”. And I was.
I was so honored that she had chosen me to share in her special day. After college, the two of us had not had a
chance to spent any time together. My
husband and I had moved to Florida and she had moved to Northern Kentucky,
settling about 2 hours from the little hometown where we shared so many great
childhood memories. She had a son who
was the light of her life, become one of the greatest Middle School Science
teachers, and met a wonderful man who made her complete. What a joy it was to share in all of that.</span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">I landed on Friday, had lunch with my parents and “brother”
and headed back for a little retail therapy at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/justplainfancyboutique" target="_blank">Just Plain Fancy Boutique</a>. While I was there, I tried on that
bridesmaid’s dress. I needed to know
whether we were taking an emergency run to the mall for some Spanx and maybe a
crowbar… to get me back out of the dress of course. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">It zipped. When I say
it zipped, I mean I had a LOT of help maneuvering and held my breath as the
zipper made its way from bottom to top.
I knew I was one carb filled meal or dairy product away from bursting
out of that dress. I was
devastated. That dress was loose when I
got it and now it had become my second skin.
But it zipped… and that would have to do.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">The next day I avoided carbs, dairy and even water (which I
know is not healthy) like the plague. I
kept telling myself that I just had to make it until after the ceremony. Luckily, getting my hair done, a mani/pedi,
make up, and helping set up occupied a lot of my time. When the time came to slip that dress on for
pre-wedding pictures, it was still tight, but I could breathe and move without
sending my zipper flying into someone’s eye. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">The minutes counted down until ceremony time. It was time for the beautiful bride to put on
her gown. The other bridesmaid and
myself watched as the mother and maid of honor helped her slip into a strapless
A-line with just the right amount of sparkle.
They zipped her up, fixed her veil and touched up her lipstick.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqCWednIsj8PvM-8aSBLAoDGXxKx5jnVED7MneCnFnNUt5DGnGnRecodmyxxdNgHiY3vnXaDJ6OBVf6wA9g2fV8PejqiyJgYbnykTQfVxhoG4oyKs-lYkqGkHWUxv9vNdXqJLdzgPMpI/s1600/britt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqCWednIsj8PvM-8aSBLAoDGXxKx5jnVED7MneCnFnNUt5DGnGnRecodmyxxdNgHiY3vnXaDJ6OBVf6wA9g2fV8PejqiyJgYbnykTQfVxhoG4oyKs-lYkqGkHWUxv9vNdXqJLdzgPMpI/s320/britt3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">At that moment, as I stood back and watched her put the
finishing touches on in the mirror, nothing else mattered. She was clothed in happiness and love. It wouldn’t have mattered if had come down the
aisle that day in my skivvies for the bride was picture perfect. There was one lucky groom waiting for her and
I know he was blown away when he first saw her walking in. Her fairytale day had arrived and all eyes
were on the beautiful bride.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">When I told the respective brides that I had gained 10
pounds they didn’t believe me. When people
tell me at I look great, often times, I don’t believe <i>them</i>. Am I continuing to eat
right, exercise and train? Yes. Will I continue to try and improve my
body? Yes. But often times, I’m so hung up on who I used
to be that it’s very hard to appreciate how far I’ve come. I know I’m getting stronger, faster, and
healthier. I know I’ve improved in so
many ways. But I’m the first to admit
that there are days when I look in the mirror and I don’t see a size 6. I see a size 16. The person I used to be. I know that my perception of myself in the
mirror is markedly different than how others perceive how I look. I’m working on that. I’m working on being less hard on myself and
truly realizing that I’ve come a long way from the girl who had to lay down on
the bed to zip those “Juniors Plus” jeans.
At this point, the battle isn’t in the physical work, it’s in having
mental and emotional strength. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">I have to start telling myself “You can do this”, “You’ve
come so far” and “You will achieve that racing weight your desire”. Most of all, I have to start trusting other
people. Trust that they see the real
me. Trust that their compliments are
sincere and trust that they see all the hard work I’ve put in, even on the days
that I don’t.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">Love yourself so you can love other people. Don’t become so hung up on a number or a size
that each day becomes a mental battle with yourself to even leave the house
without feeling “fat” or “ugly”. I know
I have to start truly following this advice. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">Love that feeling that you get after a run or a great workout. Love the way you look in that new dress you just bought. Love the journey and not just the destination.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">At the end of the day, it’s all about love. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ESOVrc4K3CQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-44644620154128028842013-09-11T14:00:00.000-07:002013-09-11T14:00:18.150-07:00Out of the Ashes<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">*I’ve been away for a while for good reasons that I will
tell you all of soon, but I feel like today my return to blogging should be one
of reflection and of reverence<span style="font-size: small;">.*</span> </span></span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXY8LfvvGiyRAWzizvJlHbl2U1I_QazrDichNgdII10WXnE-JLUmd528zEYXFh-8rrnSwjDJ01wM9NXDMdJEypIAOyVd0Tj5VEI_KLrZ5jQVAbpZG10K1GS7UddU8-xUx742KZDMalyw/s1600/9.11+collage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXY8LfvvGiyRAWzizvJlHbl2U1I_QazrDichNgdII10WXnE-JLUmd528zEYXFh-8rrnSwjDJ01wM9NXDMdJEypIAOyVd0Tj5VEI_KLrZ5jQVAbpZG10K1GS7UddU8-xUx742KZDMalyw/s320/9.11+collage+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"> All across America, in little towns much like the one I grew
up in, resources (both monetary and people themselves) are limited. These little towns are served solely by fire
departments of volunteers. Volunteers
who go to their “regular” job then devote their remaining hours to training for
and responding to accidents, chemical spills, house fires and the like. My dad was/is/always will be one of those
brave and dedicated individuals. </span></span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">From the time I was old enough to retain childhood memories,
I can remember my dad going to work every day, only to come home and be “toned
out” to any number of things for the local VFD.
Supporting his family came first and foremost but his true passion, the
passion for being a firefighter, came in at a very close second. I could tell from the first time I watched
my dad put on his bunker gear where his heart was. He couldn’t get out the door fast enough and
he was off to do his duty.</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Some days he would come home with a smile despite the ash
and soot that blackened his face. He
couldn’t be more excited to detail the days (or nights) events to my mom and
me. Other days, the silence was almost
deafening. I had never seen my dad truly
cry, but I always wondered if those streaks down his face were that of sweat or
tears. It was obvious that those days
had been the most trying and he was struggling with the life or lives that he
was unable to save. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Growing up around the fire department I gained a deep
respect for the many days and sleepless nights these men and women endure. Despite being an “only child” I have
accumulated around a dozen “brothers” who are willing to not only lay down
their lives for my dad and each other but for complete strangers without
hesitation. Despite the dangers, I never
doubted that my dad was coming home from wherever he has responded to. Whether he was fighting a blaze in the Daniel
Boone National Forest, battling a house fire, or cleaning up a gas leak, he was
always home and safe. I understood my
dad’s passion for what he did and his willingness to sacrifice life and limb
for his brothers and sisters, or at least I thought I did.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">On that clear September morning my Mom dropped me off at
school as she always did. I had just
started 8<sup>th</sup> grade and my 1<sup>st</sup> period class that morning
was “work-study” as the office assistant to the Attendance Clerk. The TV in the front office lounge was barely
above a mute and was programmed to the news as it always was. I started the day filing forms and paperwork
as I did every day. But that day was not
an “everyday” type of day. That day our
view of our country and our world would be changed forever.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I cannot describe the fear and the shock that I felt as I
was glued to the news footage that day.
My mind, as I’m sure everyone elses did, was racing. Were we truly safe there in small town
America? What will happen next? Why did this happen? I just wanted to go home. I wanted to hug my
parents and hide from all the sadness and the hurt and the broken hearts and
pretend like the country I lived in was and would always be the safest place on
earth. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The end the school day bell rang and it was time to go
home. I couldn’t get out to my mom fast
enough. We rode home together and talked
about how the day had unfolded. The
short drive to my childhood home passed slowly.
The TV was still on the news when we arrived. My dad had a stack of VHS tapes of which he
was recording every second of footage from the screen. He would go on to spend days and sleepless
nights recording every bit of information about that day. The preliminary numbers of those lost were
already rolling in and New York’s finest firefighters, police officers and EMS
personnel were among the lives lost. Our
nation had a broken heart and a defeated spirit and fear instilled into their
very being. My dad did not know any of
those brave men and women personally but I learned that day that any loss of a
brother or sister was a loss to the firefighting community as a whole. I saw that somber look on my father’s face
that I had seen before. He may not have
shed a tear in front of me that day, but I knew that on the inside, his heart
was aching as the death toll of his brothers and sisters as well as his fellow
Americans rose. I know my dad would have
done anything to be able to go up to New York and help find those who were lost
and lay those brave men and women to rest with honor and respect. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That day, I learned what true sacrifice was. I understood the immense love someone has for
their fellow human that they would lay down their life for them. I understood what it was like to stand
together and pick up the pieces when the world we knew came crashing down. I had experienced true and sensational fear
as well as an overwhelming sense of pride in my country and those who vow to
defend it both here and abroad. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">12 years have passed since those events unfolded before our
eyes. It’s hard for me to believe that
there are students in Middle School, like I was on that day, who will only read
about what happened. They will only
watch recorded images of the things that flashed live across the TV that
morning and the days after. They will
not (and I hope never will) experience the uncontrollable fear that gripped the
nation as we waited to see what would come next. I do hope that they will experience the great
pride in knowing they live in a country where there are men and women who are
willing to give their lives for others.
I hope they will understand and not judge when they see a tear flow down
the cheek of someone who is re-living that day.
It is my hope that they too will come to understand the love of humanity
that I finally understood on that fateful day.
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We have risen from the ashes, we have united as one, we have
endured and we have persevered. On this
day, more than any other, we remember the true meaning of strength, courage,
commitment, endurance, and sacrifice. We
remember. Today and always.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyX3V3a0fhkpQuZieiGEvnOGB2DCUzDPUAQm0UHL9Gmdw2zy7UPTy0hQDkb4UIW0DORIePmcPtE3TmRr5bV_OORrQdphc0moUfXrugvWewEboPVdrXmwdhjBKprRR0_65u8PGSc-RAy3A/s1600/9.11+collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyX3V3a0fhkpQuZieiGEvnOGB2DCUzDPUAQm0UHL9Gmdw2zy7UPTy0hQDkb4UIW0DORIePmcPtE3TmRr5bV_OORrQdphc0moUfXrugvWewEboPVdrXmwdhjBKprRR0_65u8PGSc-RAy3A/s320/9.11+collage+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-56445015421332023222013-07-16T04:10:00.001-07:002013-07-16T06:56:09.201-07:00Old. New. Borrowed. Very Blue<!--[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:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<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]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Most every little girl dreams of her wedding day. Meeting their true love, planning a wedding, and settling down in that little house I so recently spoke of. We flip through magazines looking for flowers and colors and linens and the perfect gown that makes us feel like a princess. We fill “hope chests” with all of notebooks of ideas and the perfect family heirlooms for our “something old”. We know someday that all of the hoping and dreaming will become a reality when we finally meet that special someone whom we cannot live without. Our day will come that we get to be the princess, even if it’s just for a day.</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /><br />Next week will be five years since my husband and I said “I Do” and forever in front of God, family and friends. I spent the year and a half leading up to that day doing the same things every little girl does only that time, it was real. I picked colors and flowers and cakes and linens. I picked a gown fit for a princess and made sure the groomsmen were matched up perfectly. I already had my prince charming but it was time to pick the next most important people in my wedding party, my bridesmaids. I knew exactly who they would be. The girls (turned women) who had been with me through it all. They were there for me when my mother was sick. They were there for me through my dad’s accident, through my “incident” and through the tears and sadness. They were there for me through my darkest times when I lost those closest to me and they always knew what to say to mend a broken heart. We had sleepovers and day trips and shared in each other’s triumphs as well as each other’s failures. We watched as boyfriends came and went, doing our best to pick up the pieces when one of us had “forever” slip away. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><br />We survived badly permed hair, the bell bottom jean revival, hair wraps, plaid and corduroy overalls, and the Spice Girl Era. We dreamed of marrying everyone from the Backstreet Boys to Jonathan Taylor Thomas. We dreamed of the day when we would watch each other walk down the aisle with our dream guy and promise them “’til death do us part”. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /><br />In the words of Carrie Bradshaw, “<i>They say nothing lasts forever. Dreams change, trends come and go, but friendship never goes out of style</i>.”</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /><br />Despite the world changing around us, my best friends and I have been together since 6th grade homeroom and before. They would be the ones who would stand beside me as I embarked on the marriage journey with my husband. I also knew that when the time came that they were ready to be the princess to their prince charming, I would return the favor. Their broken hearts were my broken hearts, their happiness was my happiness. They were the “sisters” that would always be there for me, and I for them.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><br />Next month, my best friend Annie will have that dream day. She’s picked flowers and food and those perfect words. She picked her wedding gown and the accompanying bridesmaids dresses, and true to friend form, has asked me to stand with her among our other friends as she (and her husband to be) give their lives to each other. I’ve shed tears of happiness as I’ve receive invitations and looked through engagement pictures. Much like my husband and I had 5 years ago, they are going to have their perfect day.</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7bau97Q8tVqCq0bDth_NpoZbzWrFFq8QYWkcj7ubeIeiURXmovFEb3IQevrBm5fOvII6Mv3sQ6uypRlUSILqbT_C0qDm0eVHvjvEdWIIe5ENsQtRbSCWgPJ8AW8suDA3YIRwN1DPEoI/s1600/annie+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7bau97Q8tVqCq0bDth_NpoZbzWrFFq8QYWkcj7ubeIeiURXmovFEb3IQevrBm5fOvII6Mv3sQ6uypRlUSILqbT_C0qDm0eVHvjvEdWIIe5ENsQtRbSCWgPJ8AW8suDA3YIRwN1DPEoI/s320/annie+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;">So where am I going with all of this mushy gooshy rambling? Well, that little detail about me standing with her also includes wearing a custom bridesmaid dress from <a href="http://carriekaribo.com/wordpress/">Carrie Karibo Boutique</a>. (Sounds fancy, huh?) Said bridesmaid dress was ordered for my measurements in April. That means they are pre-house buying and pre-parental visit. Pre-stress and pre-weight gain. So what’s a girl to do?</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /><br />Well I’m obviously back on track in terms of eating healthy but some damage has already been done. My measurements are for a 135 lb Tiffany and not a 143 lb Tiffany (Gah, 8 pounds!). Now I know 8 pounds doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you are petite (that’s PC for short like a hobbit) like me, 8 pounds can mean the difference in 1-2 dress sizes. I cannot look like a busted can of biscuits on the best day of my best friends life. I don’t want to look back on her pictures in five years and regret my appearance. I want her day to be perfect. So where do I go from here? Well, I gobble down a pack of oreos, drown my sorrows and pray to the good Lord to melt away my fat… um… NO. That’s not how it works. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><br />Yesterday, with the encouragement and participation </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;">of my husband, I began the 30 day abs challenge. This will be 30 days of completely healthy eating. No cheat days, I have to do this(!), except for next Friday, our anniversary dinner will be the one exception. So how can I tell if I succeed? Well obviously I want to be back down to a certain weight on the scale, but I also want to visibly see a difference. So, in the spirit of sharing my journey with you, I’ve taken some before pictures. 30 days from now I will take the same pictures and compare. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdimw8wvmGSdxhZHI0awLuwtoT5xdhO-b4F_JgqtmmbL757A5aMgSAFDFtV-ijzWDLFIkMxwjZb0wzO3fkohaHtPuxz24RDtUSET4-h789XiPn5o6P31v7TkDstHXvWOPhimnXSz4qvbw/s1600/ab+challenge+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdimw8wvmGSdxhZHI0awLuwtoT5xdhO-b4F_JgqtmmbL757A5aMgSAFDFtV-ijzWDLFIkMxwjZb0wzO3fkohaHtPuxz24RDtUSET4-h789XiPn5o6P31v7TkDstHXvWOPhimnXSz4qvbw/s320/ab+challenge+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;">So, if you’re feeling extra feisty, I’ve included the abs challenge below. Feel free to take this journey with me and submit your before and after shots on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tiffanynicoeonthego?ref=hl" target="_blank">facebook page</a> if you want. Whatever keeps you motivated, do it. I know my motivation; getting in that sleek black bridesmaid dress and watching my best friend have her fairytale day. </span></span></span><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/AVvXsEhLfRwwP-uctC4sK2q-Izmj_hDc_LkGQIWj85pNdTCfcGMgnE68-xxubeR08RRFJ-XrEdALb5mPoHKJRnQ_ss_pdKM1uej5ZRrLQ0g7eZvQyq2hjHbjOnsAYV5m8tkVYMfhuUIu-faXv-w/s1600/abs+challenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfRwwP-uctC4sK2q-Izmj_hDc_LkGQIWj85pNdTCfcGMgnE68-xxubeR08RRFJ-XrEdALb5mPoHKJRnQ_ss_pdKM1uej5ZRrLQ0g7eZvQyq2hjHbjOnsAYV5m8tkVYMfhuUIu-faXv-w/s320/abs+challenge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You know you want to...</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-28873166032253818972013-06-27T04:58:00.001-07:002013-06-27T05:01:45.438-07:00Pikachu. I Do. Sign on the Dotted Line<!--[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:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<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]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVS7h-yoL1232Ujy1Mc7oadd3Cp0IMw_YeCkXQr69968PULlxeWeP14oJSZYz1D1Xw_Xsi8MjQgZ2c6MmMPQTGPpK9ydr6DAW3YKKgQ9IOAOYEWIazxmPiev4s9TdWyJZaDk7l8xZt6Y/s1024/brother+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVS7h-yoL1232Ujy1Mc7oadd3Cp0IMw_YeCkXQr69968PULlxeWeP14oJSZYz1D1Xw_Xsi8MjQgZ2c6MmMPQTGPpK9ydr6DAW3YKKgQ9IOAOYEWIazxmPiev4s9TdWyJZaDk7l8xZt6Y/s400/brother+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /> When you are little, you want to grow up and be a doctor or a firefighter and save the world. You want to buy a little house with a little white picket fence and a row of rose bushes and potted chrysanthemums on your porch and a cute little fodder shock in the yard in the fall, wrapped in a festive ribbon of course. You want the best of domestication, of having your own little home to fill with pictures, and timeless furniture and all of the love you can fit in the confines of those four walls.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />When I was a child, despite my “tomboy” ways and my quest to be a firefighter like my dad (and about 50 other careers of course), I did enjoy “playing house”. My cousin Jon and I transformed our parents sheds behind our trailer into a his and hers of happy homes. His was most often decorated with matchbox cars, power rangers and pretty much every Pokémon card you could ever buy. Mine had a stray car or two, but it also had a vase of fake flowers, beanie babies and even the occasional Barbie doll. Some days we would go for hours without so much as a sour note and some days we would fight tooth and nail until one of us would run off and “tattle”. Despite our disagreements, those little “houses” were filled with the most important thing… Love.<br /><br />In the past couple of months, my husband and I have been on the quest of home ownership. A place to call our own. A place for wedding pictures and duvets. A place for antique quilts and Christmas lights and all of the goodness of seasonal decorating. A place for Wrigley to roam and play and for my husband and me to come home to after a long day. Most importantly, a place to fill with happiness and laughter and all of the great things that come with sharing your life with the one whom your soul loves. I expected this past month to be one of the most joyful experiences one can have. Boy was I wrong.<br /><br />Don’t get me wrong. I am elated that my husband and I have the ways and means to purchase our first home together. I am thrilled to have room for my furniture and for my dog to play. I am so excited to hang pictures of our happy memories on the wall and make my husband’s breakfast in a kitchen that rivals the size of the entire apartment in which we currently reside. I’ve definitely spent my fair share of time on <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> looking for ideas for my future home and scrolling through pages of comforters at <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/default.asp?">Bed, Bath and Beyond. </a> <br /><br />So, with this being such an exciting time, where on earth did I go and why didn’t I share my good news with you?! Let me tell you something… I know a thing or two about stress. I am working on degree number 3. I’ve been in some sort of school for 22 years and have been attending some form of post-secondary institution for over 7 years. I’ve juggled study groups, mid-terms and finals, group projects, part-time, full-time and two jobs at the same time. I’ve juggled my home life, my school life and everything in between. I’ve done all of that and still managed to eat right, exercise and manage my stress levels very well. You would think that this home buying experience would be no different, right?<br /><br />Wrong. The housing market in Tampa Bay is one of the greatest examples of supply and demand I’ve come upon in my short life. There are so many people wanting to buy homes while the market is favorable and there are only so many homes available for sale. Our first offer was over the asking price of the home and we were not the highest bidder. No worries. We look again. One Saturday my husband and I along with our <a href="http://stpetekw.com/">Keller Williams</a> realtor viewed a string of 5 homes in a matter of a couple of hours. The last one was the one we had to have. A cute 3/2/1 nestled on a golf course. We put in our offer and sat back and waited. And waited. And then we waited some more. We knew the owner was waiting for more offers and for most of the time frame it looked like we were going to get our “dream home”. At the 11th hour, someone agreed to pay cash for that home. I was heartbroken. I was a little angry. I was probably more emotional than I should have been. After all, it’s just four walls and a roof. It’s just a house. <br /><br />My husband and I found another home and we put in our offer. It turned out to be a better house than the one I had my heart set. Everything happens for a reason, right? We secured a contract and had it appraised. Everything was going so well. Until the home inspection…<br /><br />I came home from work the day of the inspection to find my husband sitting on the couch. No dinner had been cooked and he was half watching ESPN. He’s a man of few words (remember?), so I waited for him to tell me how it went. “The home inspection did not go well” he said. We got in the car and started driving while he recounted the inspector’s report on the roof that was well beyond its life and would in no way, shape or form be approved for homeowner’s insurance until it was remedied. As we were driving, I realized I had no idea where we were going. When I asked the husband, he replied sheepishly that he couldn’t tell me.<br /><br />We ended up eating pizza. And garlic breadsticks. And Cam even enjoyed a couple of adult beverages. We drowned our sorrows in carbs, and grease and cheese. Which happens every once in a while, right? So, we waited to hear from our realtor as to whether the seller would agree to fix the roof. And we waited. And we waited some more. It’s been a week and a half and finally we have received word that the seller will be fixing the roof and we should be able to close in the middle of July. It looks like we will finally have those four walls, and a roof and a fenced backyard. We will have our own space to paint, and decorate and fill with happiness and laughter and most importantly, Love. That’s what makes a house a home. <br /><br />So where have I been? Honestly, I haven’t wanted to blog. I haven’t wanted you to know my struggles with stress management and even my eating. I have had so many things this past month and a half that were in no way good for me. I’ve been downhearted, sad, angry, happy, excited, and everything in between. My roller coaster of emotions has gotten the best of me and I haven’t made the best of food choices. I strive everyday to be a role model in all aspects of my lifestyle, both exercise and diet. This past couple of months have not been my best. <br /><br />I’ve noshed on <a href="https://www.kilwins.com/">Kilwin’s</a> fudge covered rice crispy treats and <a href="http://paciugo.com/">Paciugo</a> gelato. I’ve had pizza, french fries, ice cream, lasagna, and a plethora of other foods that were not paleo and generally not good for me. At all. I definitely am not proud. The few moments of feel good food turn into several hours or days of discomfort, an ulcer and a couple of extra pounds around my middle. I hope you will bear with me my dear blog readers. Bear with me as I “reset” myself. My parents will be visiting next week and I will probably indulge on a few of those days. After that, I will be getting back to eating paleo and continuing to workout. Everyone falls down. It’s just a matter of whether or not you get back up. I’m not just getting back up; I’m going to spring back up. I am taking back my health, physically, mentally, and emotionally. I can’t hit rewind but I will push play. It’s time to move forward and get back into my happy and healthy groove.<br /><br />I can’t imagine doing this without my husband by my side. He’s been there to balance out my range of emotions. His attitude that everything happens for a reason and there’s no use stressing over things we can’t control has been what I’ve needed to keep me from ending up inside the confines of four walls and a straight jacket. He’s had his share of bad food choices too but together we are getting back on track. If you are struggling, find a friend or loved one to take the journey with you. Sometimes you need that shoulder to cry on and that spot for the bench press. Sometimes you need some encouraging words and some genuine competition. Whatever it takes to get you back into your groove, do it. I’ve learned to stop stressing the things I can’t control and that exercise, more than anything else, is the true stress reliever. <br /><br />Oh and one more thing…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANPUSPAEbp5gx0F5XKyZ3Rogds9wrc5t9RjoIpT9Ds_2jCSEt2f0nRdJneRuYmgF-V-l90cZZxGMz3C5zT41its-jsksJpiLdxr6xfzccWncSnc07Sn3eYO1JHzCtZ1UxVv97kczF8-Q/s1024/stresshouse+collage.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANPUSPAEbp5gx0F5XKyZ3Rogds9wrc5t9RjoIpT9Ds_2jCSEt2f0nRdJneRuYmgF-V-l90cZZxGMz3C5zT41its-jsksJpiLdxr6xfzccWncSnc07Sn3eYO1JHzCtZ1UxVv97kczF8-Q/s400/stresshouse+collage.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We bought a house!!!!!</span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-30290788313761337152013-05-31T07:23:00.000-07:002013-05-31T07:23:31.474-07:00Simply the Best<!--[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="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeNdT0VTm9_wZx_NHg1mLiguFqg8W52iH9Pl9tJdXVw6TUIAbcGBW6J846F8W_tKeJY7pvfKlWPmL-rVTz7tb7GdSLOpXEWhSSiWBEEg8xc7V7UTTtGkvXMqnX_MH3RVCmUi8R24f8pE/s1600/mom+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeNdT0VTm9_wZx_NHg1mLiguFqg8W52iH9Pl9tJdXVw6TUIAbcGBW6J846F8W_tKeJY7pvfKlWPmL-rVTz7tb7GdSLOpXEWhSSiWBEEg8xc7V7UTTtGkvXMqnX_MH3RVCmUi8R24f8pE/s400/mom+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I’m still here, I promise!<span>
</span>It’s been a busy, busy, busy couple of weeks at the Halfacre household,
of which I will discuss in my future blog, but today’s blog is short, sweet and
one of the most important.<span> </span>Today is my
Mom’s 51<sup>st</sup> birthday and I want to tell you a little bit about this
most amazing woman.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After the passing of their first child Barbara to heart
complications, my grandparents gave birth to my Mom.<span> </span>She would be the oldest of 5 children living
in a small two bedroom home in rural Kentucky.<span>
</span>The first few years of her life were spent in a home without indoor
bathroom facilities.<span> </span>To say the least, my
grandparents were not wealthy and getting by was often a struggle.<span> </span>My mom would dutifully get up every morning
before school, help her younger siblings, tend the family garden, go the
school, and then go to her job at a local restaurant called Southern Treat.<span> </span>She would go on to work at that restaurant long
after high school.<span> </span>It’s where she met
many friends, where she met my Dad, and where I would eventually spend many
days after school waiting on her to end her shift so we could go home.<span> </span>She would be dead tired but whenever someone
would come to the window and want to see her, she would wave with a big smile
on her face.<span> </span>She was full of sass, wit,
and sometimes mischievous and she pretty much knew every face that came up to
order, sometimes even reciting their usual meal to them before they could even
get it out.<span> </span>It was hard work, sometimes
stressful, but my mom loved her job and the people she met along the way.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I grew up at that little Mom and Pop restaurant, always
trying my best to imitate my mom.<span> </span>Propping
my hands on my hips and exclaiming such things as “Honey, NOOO!” and “Bless Its
heart”.<span> </span>Those were some big shoes to
fill.<span> </span>I was her shadow at work and she
would always let me help out, regardless of my clumsy little fingers or
incessant questions.<span> </span>I was her only
child, her “pride and joy” as she would say.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I was in middle school when my mom was diagnosed with Breast
Cancer.<span> </span>She endured extensive
chemotherapy treatments, 45 days of radiation and watched in great sadness as
each strand of hair fell out of her head.<span>
</span>I went with her to her local hair salon to shave her head before she had
to watch any more of her hair fall to the floor.<span> </span>I could tell it broke her heart.<span> </span>It broke mine too.<span> </span>Watching my mom go through that was one of
the hardest moments in my life.<span> </span>I couldn’t
fathom facing all of that and still going on about life as if nothing was wrong…
but she did.<span> </span>She continued to work when
she could, to take me to school, take me to fiddle lessons and help me buy a
dress for 8<sup>th</sup> grade graduation.<span>
</span>She was completely bald the day I walked across that stage, it was the
one and only day she ever wore a wig.<span> </span>She
suffered through hot flashes, an itchy hot wig, and clothes to cover her scars
and radiation burns in a hot auditorium before vowing to never wear a wig
again.<span> </span>Good riddance.<span> </span>My mom was the most beautiful bald woman
ever.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The next year my mom would lay her younger sister Angie to
rest and not long after would watch as her beloved Aunts passed on too.<span> </span>All of them had suffered from cancer and I
know deep down inside my mother wondered if she would be next.<span> </span>But she stayed strong and carried on.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">She would face another loss when her sister Amy was
tragically killed in a car accident in 2010.<span>
</span>My mom watched so many of her loved ones pass on before her and I know
it took its toll on her.<span> </span>It was more
than enough heartache and devastation for one woman to have to endure.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My mom is still battling illness.<span> </span>She still misses her loved ones, as anyone
would.<span> </span>She still has struggles on a
daily basis and her stress level is usually through the roof. One thing remains the same, she is always, always, ALWAYS
there for me. <span> </span>If I’m having a bad day or
I need a shoulder to cry on, I know I can pick up the phone and she will make
me feel better.<span> </span>I know I can call on her
for anything.<span> </span>She shares in my triumphs
and in my struggles, in my successes and my failures.<span> </span>She has always been proud of me, supported
me, and loved me unconditionally. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am so thankful for my Mom celebrating another birthday
today.<span> </span>Even though I’m 900 miles away, I
want her to know I’m celebrating her, not only today, but every day.<span> </span>She’s strong, resilient, and even a little
bit stubborn and I wouldn’t have it any other way.<span> </span>Happy Birthday Mom!<span> </span>I love you today and always!</span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-90477886583146760042013-05-09T04:54:00.000-07:002013-05-09T04:54:34.359-07:00Fitch, The Real World, and Summer Girls<!--[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="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The summer before my sophomore year of high school (the same
summer as my aforementioned incident) I was a typical petite teenager with an
immense desire to fit in with my peers and wear what the “cool” kids were
wearing.<span> </span>Every pass by the Abercrombie
and Fitch store in the mall made me want that pair of size 4 faded bell bottom
jeans even more.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now, let’s get a little perspective here.<span> </span>I grew up in Eastern Kentucky.<span> </span>My mother and father both worked day in and
day out to provide me a comfortable trailer to live in (now that I’ve moved,
apparently we don’t call them trailer parks but “manufactured homes”).<span> </span>Let’s face it, I wasn’t rich by any means but
enjoyed a nice simple life in the trailer park (just being honest,<span> </span>it’s a trailer park.<span> </span>No shame here).<span> </span><span> </span>Not
long after I started high school, my parents finally purchased their first home
together, one that didn’t have wheels that is.<span>
</span>We settled into a small three bedroom ranch with a bigger back yard and
an above ground swimming pool.<span> </span>I was pretty
much in teenager heaven at that point.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now my parents may have been able to buy a home with an
added perk, but they were by no means in a position to be dropping 80 dollars
on a pair of jeans.<span> </span>Being the naive teenager
I was, I could not fathom why my parents didn’t want me to be cool.<span> </span>I mean after all, I had a pool now!<span> </span>I probably said some nasty things to my
mother that I can never take back that summer when she denied me even entering
that migraine headache, asthma attack inducing Abercrombie store.<span> </span>Looking back (as most people do as they grow
older), I do not understand how I had let my world revolve around getting a pair
of jeans.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My mother could see that I wanted a new “cool” outfit for
the first day of school more than anything that I had wanted throughout my short
life.<span> </span>I had survived freshman year, kept
my 4.0, and worked weekends at the skating rink for little to nothing to have
some spending money, but nothing significant enough to buy anything labeled
with A&F.<span> </span>So my Mom, in all of her
wisdom and desire to appease her teenage daughter, found a place called “<a href="http://www.platoscloset.com/">Plato’s Closet</a>”.<span> </span>This little boutique style store was not far
from the crowded mall where most people did their school shopping so it wasn’t
too far from where we would have traveled anyway.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Gently used “name brand” clothing, shoes and accessories lined
the walls of that hole in the wall store in a non-descript suburban strip mall.<span> </span>I searched the jeans rack with an intensity
akin to the dedication needed to end world famine or build a rocket.<span> </span>I was bound and determined to find that
coveted pair of jeans.<span> </span>After several
minutes, I came upon the treasure I was seeking.<span> </span>There on the rack was a pair of size 4
Abercrombie and Fitch jeans, complete with the petite length.<span> </span>I should have bought my mother an award for
dealing with such an emotional roller coaster as I had been that day.<span> </span>I snagged that pair of jeans for $20 and my
mom even let me pick out a few shirts to go along with my loot.<span> </span>My first day of school outfit had been found,
complete with a green shirt emblazoned with that (now obnoxious) Abercrombie
and Fitch logo on the front.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I never got to wear those jeans.<span> </span>My incident occurred three days before school
started that year and by the time I recovered and returned to school, I was 5
sizes larger than the largest size Abercrombie and Fitch even offers.<span> </span>I had been from one extreme to the
other.<span> </span>I was very small, then not so
very small.<span> </span>At all.<span> </span>Those jeans would sit in a drawer for over 2
years before I finally handed them off to someone new.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So it brings me to the current issue surrounding the CEO of
Abercrombie and Fitch.<span> </span>My facebook feed
has been abuzz with the article titled “<a href="http://www.clutchmagonline.com/2013/05/abercrombie-fitch-ceo-explains-why-he-hates-fat-chicks/">Abercrombie
and Fitch CEO Explains Why He Hates Fat Chicks</a>”.<span> </span>Do I think that he could have said better
things?<span> </span>Yes.<span> </span>Do I think everyone is entitled to their
opinion?<span> </span>Also a yes.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here’s how I see this situation:<span> </span>I have been from one extreme to the other and
back again in terms of my weight.<span> </span>I used
to desperately want to shop at Abercrombie and Fitch because I thought that
would make me cool.<span> </span>That was 10 years
ago and I still thought clothing defined who you were.<span> </span>You see these two pictures?</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoM0lmao9xYHASdQSAsV_LZv_NVU6jRI95uRhkQAg-6x3ls5P998iZD6np99g3H6Oxi2Uqq670aUxZoPRkm2Qb7Ur5C3jG1OqdZqJbOXnH5I72nLGSlzwKCeexRAHaXvZw6Su5ZidIgdE/s1600/abercrombie+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoM0lmao9xYHASdQSAsV_LZv_NVU6jRI95uRhkQAg-6x3ls5P998iZD6np99g3H6Oxi2Uqq670aUxZoPRkm2Qb7Ur5C3jG1OqdZqJbOXnH5I72nLGSlzwKCeexRAHaXvZw6Su5ZidIgdE/s400/abercrombie+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Besides the fact they are both me at my heaviest and now,
they have one striking thing in common.<span> </span>Neither
one of them can fit into Abercrombie and Fitch clothing.<span> </span>And to be honest… who cares!?<span> </span>I am not defined by what I wear but rather
what I can do.<span> </span>People are going to be
mean.<span> </span>They are going to say hurtful
things.<span> </span>They are going to try and tear
your down.<span> </span>So what?<span> </span>Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and show
them what you can DO. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span></span></span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have the body of a mature woman, who considers herself
somewhat athletic.<span> </span>I do not base my self-worth
on the fact that I can’t fit into clothing sold by a company targeting the pre-pubescent
bodies of 2001.<span> </span>Somewhere deep inside, I
think the CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch sees this too.<span> </span>His clothing line is no longer as relevant in
a society where there are fit women who have curves and can squat, press, lift,
and run circles around him.<span> </span>Perhaps this
comment is his attempt to gain some sort of publicity in the face of company
decline.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Regardless of whether he is genuinely a shallow human being
or said this for publicity purposes, I do not care what the CEO of an
overpriced, outdated company thinks of me, and neither should you.<span> </span>I choose to shop wherever I find clothes that
are comfortable, make me feel good about myself, and show off my hard
work.<span> </span>Abercrombie and Fitch is not one
of those places.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
I am not offended.<span> </span>If I was, then it
would be more about my emotional health than anything pertaining to my physical
appearance.<span> </span>I define myself by rep
counts, weight increases and race times.<span>
</span>I define myself by smiles, and laughter and good times with
friends.<span> </span>I define myself by hard work,
dedication, determination and perseverance.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Don’t like your weight?<span>
</span>Do something about it.<span> </span>Don’t like
that you can’t run a mile without stopping?<span>
</span>Do something about it.<span> </span>Don’t like
where you are in your educational journey?<span>
</span>Do something about it.<span> </span>Don’t like
what the CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch said?<span>
</span>Who cares.<span> </span>Be your own “brand” of
awesome and leave the labels for those with nothing else to show.</span></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-58151781835565158902013-05-06T16:05:00.001-07:002013-05-06T16:10:36.901-07:00Hearts of Gold<!--[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:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<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]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcP5sAPrM0Mxtj8o173vsjAsCgKAiLJsVqEjWz492AAtyqq-4TVopBY77fzeBfzD9xE6yOh_-tD0svyvfBbDIngnNQSG7UrGyDjdLbCf0qdbDjmBGpVRv4PuW_iBJQXjuvJej9xhz1ng/s1600/stethescope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcP5sAPrM0Mxtj8o173vsjAsCgKAiLJsVqEjWz492AAtyqq-4TVopBY77fzeBfzD9xE6yOh_-tD0svyvfBbDIngnNQSG7UrGyDjdLbCf0qdbDjmBGpVRv4PuW_iBJQXjuvJej9xhz1ng/s400/stethescope.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, if you are not familiar with my background… once upon a
time I was hit by lightning. No,
seriously. I was. Now I will spare you the details but needless
to say that meant a lot of time for me in and out of hospitals for various
tests, overnight stays, check-ups and routines.
August of this year will mark 10 years since my unfortunate accident,
but there are many things that will remain with me forever.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The events of the day leading up to and including that
fateful evening are fuzzy as well as many of the things immediately following. So what do I remember? I remember having some of the most amazing
healthcare providers for one of the darkest times in my life. The struggle with seizure activity, memory
loss, depression and weight gain was overwhelming and each trip to the hospital
made me feel like I was losing complete control of my life. I could have easily slipped through the
cracks and been resigned to being a medicated mess. But I wasn’t.
No matter how bad I felt, how out of it I was or how cranky I could get,
there was always a nursing smiling back at me and telling me it was going to be
OK. They were always there with
blankets, food, or just a soothing touch and gentle smile to help me make it
through. I was granted a second chance,
a new outlook and a fresh start after all I went through and there was a nurse
there every step of the way.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">While I did not have to face certain death, many of those I’ve
loved in my life have. My life changing
event came a few months after losing my aunt A<span style="font-size: large;">n<span style="font-size: large;">gie</span></span>.
She lost her 6 year battle with breast cancer at the age of 34. She spent the last year of her life medicated
and spent the last few months of her life in the care of a Hospice Nurse. In the late stages of her illness, as she
suffered the debilitating effects of brain tumors, she would often act out or
imagine that her nurse was there to hurt her, steal her husband, steal her son
or numerous other things. It was
heartbreaking to watch and I struggled so much with realizing it wasn’t really
her saying all of those things. Despite experiencing
the yelling, the anger, and the deterioration of my aunt before her eyes, that
nurse was by her side attending to her every need. How one person could endure all of that and
remain so strong was mind blowing. To
spend week in and week out watching people pass on and yet giving each and every
one of them everything they could was the way of a hospice nurse. Being there when all other hope was lost and
giving the dying their dignity even in their final days was their way of
life. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When my mother was facing cancer and chemotherapy and
radiation and needles galore, it was a nurse whose caring hand held hers
through the treatments and the tears. When
my father was nearly killed in an industrial accident, it was a nurse who
helped him get up out of bed every morning and held his hand as he slowly began
to walk again. When all seems lost or
when we receive devastating news, it’s the nurses who are there to catch our
tears and pick up the pieces. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I spend my days teaching future nurses, and I see the
compassion, the dedication and the love it takes to care for the ill and even
the dying. So this week, I raise my
water bottle high to all of the nurses who devote their lives to others. I advocate being proactive with your health
and taking control of what you can, but accidents happen and you never know
what life will throw your way. This
week, I am thankful that if/when the time comes that I must go to a doctor’s
office or a hospital that there will be a nurse ready and willing to devote
their time and energy into helping me get better.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This week, we celebrate National Nurses Week. We celebrate those who devote their lives to
being compassionate, caring, and loving to those they barely know. We celebrate the long nights, endless
rotations, and many sacrifices nurses make in order to make our illness just a
tiny bit more bearable. It truly is
something to be celebrated.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Say thank you to the nurses in your life and if you are a nurse, give
yourself a huge pat on the back. You
deserve it. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisB7oOdtjcjoFHaXuvW3feFZC4DYI9A50QMGXwx7578Qz740GTd0cdrTkYObi4b1N3WfUp2qaiACvR_t94zxy_HALvDyM86KGtXgYaiRTDUMVgPj_8CgUpJ-SfLLPCI6a8PmcAaTgEJw/s1600/nursesweek+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisB7oOdtjcjoFHaXuvW3feFZC4DYI9A50QMGXwx7578Qz740GTd0cdrTkYObi4b1N3WfUp2qaiACvR_t94zxy_HALvDyM86KGtXgYaiRTDUMVgPj_8CgUpJ-SfLLPCI6a8PmcAaTgEJw/s400/nursesweek+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">**I also dedicate<span style="font-size: large;"> this p<span style="font-size: large;">ost in loving memory of my lat<span style="font-size: large;">e <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">a</span>unt Amy<span style="font-size: large;"> who tragically lost her life in an autom<span style="font-size: large;">obile accident<span style="font-size: large;"> at the age of 31. She devoted her life to being a <span style="font-size: large;">H<span style="font-size: large;">o<span style="font-size: large;">spice Nurse and she is truly missed.**</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-83285911342184480952013-04-26T13:30:00.001-07:002013-04-26T13:30:27.168-07:00Heartaches and Hangovers <!--[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:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</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]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpK59OmxbgLrNQilTLRXYxVWFpFPZfcN0vYjlWDLiVSfPJRrAwYkWWPdhgRjkSRUNETMXROPMr5dNvAHmszeIDtc82m6VYthHv_yGnxOmSi3gAe4GFIk9fQdSgI1vwVWbgvl4Mo9YuUSk/s1600/dont+eat+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpK59OmxbgLrNQilTLRXYxVWFpFPZfcN0vYjlWDLiVSfPJRrAwYkWWPdhgRjkSRUNETMXROPMr5dNvAHmszeIDtc82m6VYthHv_yGnxOmSi3gAe4GFIk9fQdSgI1vwVWbgvl4Mo9YuUSk/s400/dont+eat+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have you missed me?!<span>
</span>I know, I know.<span> </span>It’s been over a
week since you’ve last received an installment from yours truly.<span> </span>This semester of graduate school is winding
down (2 finals to go!) and the last week has been filled with papers to write,
discussion boards to complete and study guides to go over.<span> </span>Needless to say, stress is on the rise.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now if you are like me, stress can make you want to
eat.<span> </span>Sometimes a lot.<span> </span>And things that are NOT good for you.<span> </span>You know those late night college study
sessions you had where everyone was noshing on Doritos, donuts and guzzling
enough coffee to send their heart into a frenzy of flutters, PVC’s (premature
ventricular contractions) and Tachycardia.<span>
</span>Now, I used to be that person.<span>
</span>The stress eater.<span> </span>The sugar
seeker. <span> </span>The stressed out, donut
cramming, fudge round munching, soda guzzling crazy in a pair of oversized
sweat pants just praying for an Organic Chemistry miracle.<span> </span>Every day was an endless cycle of bad eating
and trying to visualize tertiary molecules until I was on the verge of
tears.<span> </span>Or insanity.<span> </span>Or both.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve come a long way in the stress management department and
have made even greater strides in healthy eating.<span> </span>I’ve replace the donuts and fudge rounds with
apples and nuts.<span> </span>I’ve replaced that high
calorie, sugar laden soda with water and passion tea.<span> </span>And my body has responded quite well
(combined with exercise and enough sleep of course).</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So you are exercising, you’re getting enough sleep yet that
number on the scale isn’t going anywhere.<span>
</span>Now, you could genuinely be replacing pounds of fat with pounds of
muscle OR… you could be sabotaging yourself by eating things you think are OK
but really aren’t.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So I’ve made a list of things to not eat when you are trying
to slim down <span> </span>AND get healthy (or ever
really.<span> </span>Because they are bad.<span> </span>Bad, bad, bad)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ever heard the term “excitotoxins”?<span> </span>Let me tell you a bit about
excitotoxins.<span> </span>These substances (usually
in the form of amino acids) damage or kill brain cells due to excessive stimulation
(hence the term excitotoxin).<span> </span>We have a
naturally occurring excitotoxin in our body known as glutamate.<span> </span>It serves as an excitatory neurotransmitter
and is a key compound cellular metabolism (Sorry, the nerd in me is coming out…
I promise I’m making a point).<span> </span>Now, we
need glutamate to function, but excessive glutamate (or any excitotoxin) can
build up and lead to cell damage and death.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now that I’ve given you a small anatomy lecture (which you
thoroughly enjoyed… right!?), Let’s talk about some additives in your food that
are excitotoxins:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1.<span> </span>Hydrolyzed
Vegetable Protein</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2.<span> </span>Aspartame (Still
guzzling that Diet Coke?)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3.<span> </span>Monosodium
Glutamate (MSG)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. <span style="font-size: large;">Sodi<span style="font-size: large;">um caseinate</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. Hy<span style="font-size: large;">drolyzed oat flour</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">6. Auto<span style="font-size: large;">l<span style="font-size: large;">y<span style="font-size: large;">zed yeast </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">(4<span style="font-size: large;">-6 are all di<span style="font-size: large;">fferent<span style="font-size: large;"> compounds containing MSG)</span></span></span> </span></span></span> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many of these things are found in the processed foods that
you buy.<span> </span>Now I’m not saying consuming
these is going to send your body into excitotoxin attack mode and start
immediately killing your brain cells but they have been linked to
neurodegenerative disorders and have been known to exasperate the symptoms of
disorders such as Fibromyalgia (FMS) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).<span> </span>Don’t put these substances in your body and you
won’t have to worry anyway.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Listen crazy woman, I don’t need my brain in 80 years and I
want to slim down, quit rambling about that and tell me what I shouldn’t be
eating so I can lose weight!”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know that’s where you are right now so… lets discuss
another problem with food additives.<span>
</span>Food additives like Aspartame and MSG is they down regulate appetite
suppression.<span> </span>You will feel hungry sooner
and you won’t feel as satisfied with a smaller amount (thanks Pringles… once
you pop you can’t stop, right?).<span> </span>The
more you can avoid food additives, the less they will mess with your head and
your appetite.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You should also avoid added and artificial sugars.<span> </span>They spike insulin levels to compensate for
the glucose levels circulating in the blood stream. <span> </span>Once all of the glucose is used up or
eliminated, your body crashes into a state of hypoglycemia so glucagon is
released to compensate.<span> </span>It’s an endless
cycle of ups and downs which can lead to insulin resistance, Type II diabetes,
and metabolic syndrome (unhealthy/slow metabolism=problems losing weight).<span> </span>The more sugar you eat, the more you’ll want
to eat because you won’t be as satisfied after that crash.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Food Additive
Offenders:</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pretty much all fast food restaurants</span></span></span></u></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Canned Soups</u> (the sodium levels in these are ridiculous too!)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Frozen dinners</u> (Yes, even those Lean Cuisine meals could be
contributing to a rounder middle)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Pretty much all snack chips</u> (although you’ve cut those out
already, yes?)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Sugar additive
Offenders:</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Most cereals targeting children</u>.<span> </span>The sugar content is ridiculous (if you want
a cereal, look whole grains, no added sugars, and fiber to fill you up.<span> </span>Shredded Wheat, Wheaties, and plain Fiber One
cereals are better options, although an egg breakfast will fill you up for more
protein, no sugar and sustain that full feeling longer :D)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Granola bars</span></span></span></u></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Canned fruits</u> (they are bathed in processed sugary, syrupy
liquid diabetes)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Most “healthy” protein bars</u> (some have more sugar than a
candy bar!)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Dried fruits</u> (most have added sugars to enhance flavors)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Sauces and Salad dressings </u>(read the label before you buy… <a href="http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/added-sugar-on-food-labels/">learn
how</a>)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>“Flavored” Yogurts that try to mimic desserts like Key Lime
Pie, Chocolate Cake, etc.</u><span> </span><span> </span>(look for lower sugar and no artificial
additives, like <a href="http://tiffanynicoeonthego.blogspot.com/2013/03/go-greek.html">Yoplait
Greek</a>)</span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Soda</u> (an obvious one)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Fruit Juices</u> (if you must drink it, get fresh squeezed
juices to avoid the flavor and sugar additives)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Alcohol!</u> (That one broke your heart, didn’t it?)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Most Chocolate</u> (Go for Dark, the more percent Cacao the
better.<span> </span>I personally prefer 85%)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anything with “sugar alcohols” in substitution for sugar is
a no no as well.<span> </span>I won’t bore you with
the carbonyl to hydroxyl reduction chemistry but needless to say… these are not
a good substitution for non-hydrogenated sugar.<span>
</span>They aren’t readily absorbed in the intestines as sugar and can cause a
host of “discomfort” and bloating (and by discomfort, I mean you should
probably buy some Charmin, stat)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“So what the H - E - double hockey sticks- am I supposed to eat
then!?”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Easy.<span> </span>Keep it simple
and whole.<span> </span>Lean proteins (organic if you
can get it, to avoid additives), lots of veggies and throw in a few fruits for
sweetness.<span> </span>Yogurts and Grains (if you do
eat them) should be a compliment to your diet, not the bulk of it.<span> </span>Think a salad with a side of pasta, not a
plate of pasta with a side of salad.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you can’t pronounce it, it’s probably not good for
you.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A cookie a month won’t kill you, but remember to not
overindulge and don’t let that sugar crash send you back for more.<span> </span>If you must enjoy a sweet treat on occasion
(we are all human), keep yourself in check and prepare for the storm of
cravings you will undoubtedly have not long after eating said cookie.<span> </span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Keep working hard.<span> </span>Discipline.<span>
</span>Dedication.<span> </span>Determination.<span> </span>You can (and WILL) do this!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.countryweekly.com/music/perfect-10-our-favorite-george-jones-songs">For all the George Jones fans... enjoy<span style="font-size: large;">.</span></a> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-71313963765259305522013-04-17T05:54:00.001-07:002013-04-17T05:54:42.799-07:00Happy, Happy, Happy <!--[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:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<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]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bqpdSMCeJzJO_uCUctFZ1hdFEPHPAcNO848VqCkR9vpqs9_0j6ZRzQ3AISwYyKXQbvLkvTq_nAlAupT0DooaFtM0o2EdSarSvgyBw1MR_pm5MctSvKftOwcHLBJhKPJ44ifiQbIv3GU/s1600/home+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bqpdSMCeJzJO_uCUctFZ1hdFEPHPAcNO848VqCkR9vpqs9_0j6ZRzQ3AISwYyKXQbvLkvTq_nAlAupT0DooaFtM0o2EdSarSvgyBw1MR_pm5MctSvKftOwcHLBJhKPJ44ifiQbIv3GU/s640/home+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have returned from my Old Kentucky Home.<span> </span>I shared some love and laughs with those dear
to me and brought back some great memories… and a full stomach.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday I stepped on the scale and weighed 139.6 pounds.<span> </span>Now if you remember, that is exactly 3 pounds
heavier than my pre-Kentucky weigh in last Thursday.<span> </span>So am I genuinely 3 pounds heavier?<span> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Highly unlikely</span>.<span> </span>I
had not consumed bread or soda or dairy in over 3 weeks, and when I did that,
my body has responded with some post-carb/dairy/carbonation bloat.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This demonstrates two things: </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span></span>1. Those things genuinely were contributing to
my plumped up middle <span> </span></i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>2.<span> </span>Your weight can fluctuate by a few pounds
over a few days and you <b>shouldn’t freak
out</b> about it.</i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What you eat, how much water you’ve consumed (a gallon of
water weighs 8 pounds!) and hormone fluctuations can leave you pulling your
hair out if you are constantly using the scale as a so<span style="font-size: large;">le</span> measure of your
success.<span> </span>I will even give you a weigh in
a week from now to demonstrate that point.<span>
</span>Go by how you look, how you feel and how those favorite pair of jeans fit,
not by the fact that you weigh 154 pounds today and 152.7 pounds yesterday.<span> </span>It’s good to keep yourself in check but it’s
important to take all factors into consideration when trying to slim down.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEill4Mx0AGJPmKpowZ840DCrunH5y6xwBuEPYysJ65qHe1D1f150Klk9EBgaiXxdRCB65FPan35jtKv4-EJzmJDZbTDhvxLYeoHLemfkNMa2OmiIuTueVXCZIZ1TvKhtoLLj1JJUHrYeV8/s1600/si.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEill4Mx0AGJPmKpowZ840DCrunH5y6xwBuEPYysJ65qHe1D1f150Klk9EBgaiXxdRCB65FPan35jtKv4-EJzmJDZbTDhvxLYeoHLemfkNMa2OmiIuTueVXCZIZ1TvKhtoLLj1JJUHrYeV8/s320/si.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My goal was (and still will be) to lose body fat percentage
points.<span> </span>So the all consuming question
yesterday was whether or not becoming paleo made a difference in my body
composition.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The results are in:</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Beginning Body Fat
Percentage:<span> </span>29.1</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Yesterday’s Body Fat
Percentage:<span> </span>27.0</i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ladies and gentleman, I call this a success!<span> </span>I am (pleasantly) surprised I was able to
shave off 2 whole percentage points in this 30 day challenge.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So where do I go from here?<span>
</span>No not down to the cupcake shop or Einstein Bagels…</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span>I’m going to stick
with the paleo lifestyle (because it has to be a lifestyle change and not a
diet, remember!?), with a modification.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One day a week (as recommended by a great friend who has
been doing this for over a year) I will allow myself to eat something not paleo
if I so desire.<span> </span>This includes things
like rice or legumes which have been the hardest to cut out.<span> </span>I may not choose to do it every week and I
may sub in a piece of Garlic naan bread with my favorite curry but I’m
definitely going to maintain a paleo style of eating for a vast majority of the
time (mmmm… Garlic naan.<span> </span>Sorry, where
was I?)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is a list of things that I don’t care to ever have
again and (surprisingly) haven’t really wanted to eat so they will probably be eliminated
for good:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Regular Bread (Buns,
slices, sandwich thins, etc)</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Cereal (Even the granola
kind)</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Granola Bars</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Dairy milk (although I
will still use whey protein isolate for protein shakes)</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Regular potatoes
(sweet potatoes taste better anyway)</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Soy milk (Almond milk
and coconut milk are much tastier alternatives as well)</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, I’m feeling happy and healthy and determined with my new
lifestyle choices.<span> </span>I have also almost finished
reading <a href="http://insidetheboxbook.com/">Inside the Box</a> and am
captivated by CrossFit. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next stop…</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.stpetecrossfit.com/AboutUs/WhatisCrossfit.aspx">A CrossFit Box</a>.</span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-79948353849526362492013-04-11T04:28:00.002-07:002013-04-11T04:28:46.583-07:00Sue's, Swamp Water, and Stephen Foster<!--[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="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRGPa3UstabJHU5tOL6QmGwv2Lezs_hG-Af64cSXvECZixxoSgb6eO9EaDciR3LOnG5GZ0Lns2WS0RtanKSfcUisQGcd7PYZBiYXuhZ0pLSw25B3gYQWmpu-ZNbGNf-qM_Tw9Jsly99A/s1600/ketuckycollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRGPa3UstabJHU5tOL6QmGwv2Lezs_hG-Af64cSXvECZixxoSgb6eO9EaDciR3LOnG5GZ0Lns2WS0RtanKSfcUisQGcd7PYZBiYXuhZ0pLSw25B3gYQWmpu-ZNbGNf-qM_Tw9Jsly99A/s640/ketuckycollage.jpg" width="600" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You know those foods that just remind you of something
special?<span> </span>You know, that cozy bistro
where you ate on your first date or that greasy spoon café you shared waffles
and hash browns and countless conversations with your mom or dad, or the corner store
where you would stop on the way home from fishing to grab a cold drink and a
snack?<span> </span>We all have those places.<span> </span>Those places where it’s not just about the
food, it’s about the memories and the experiences we tie to those foods.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In 24 hours, I will be on a plane “home”.<span> </span>Not my physical home, but the place that will
always have tiny pieces of my heart and will always hold the memories of
childhood and first loves and fishing trips.<span>
</span>It’s where I learned to ride a bike without training wheels, where I
caught my first bass and where I met and fell in love with the man I am
thankful to now call my husband.<span> </span>It’s
where we had our first kiss, where we first said “I love you” and where we
stood in front of God and everybody and promised each other forever.<span> </span>When I first moved, it was hard to not still
call it “going home” when we went to visit. <span> </span>Now, after a couple of years and settling into
this newer, faster paced life, I no longer use that term but the sentiment
remains the same.<span> </span>So even though I’m “going
to Kentucky” to visit, there will be certain places and people that will never
be recreated here at home (my new one that is).<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So why the trip down sentimental lane?<span> </span>Well, like you, I have those places in
Kentucky where I must eat when I go to visit.<span>
</span>Not just my Memaw’s or my mother-in-law’s, but those little restaurants
and hole in the wall places that I can’t get anywhere else.<span> </span>Those places where my parents would take me
on the weekend and we would talk about how school was or what I wanted to do
for the science fair.<span> </span>Those places where
good friends would gather around a picnic table outside Sue’s Hotdogs and share
an <a href="http://ale8one.com/">Ale-8</a> and a laugh (I mean come on!<span> </span>Any steamed, mushy, chili covered hot dog
served out of a shack on a road called “Steam Shovel” has to be delicious,
right!?)<span> </span>Those places where you could
escape college finals week for a brief moment for some pizza, pub fries and the
best chocolate cake south of the Mason Dixon line (even better than Maggiano’s,
if you can even imagine the possibility!?).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know, I’m still rambling.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The point is, while I’m not going to go completely crazy on
my trip and eat everything, there are a few things I may eat that 1.<span> </span>Will not be paleo and 2.<span> </span>Will not be healthy for me.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Two things I know I will enjoy (in moderation of course) on
this trip are an Ale-8 and food from Papa Leno’s in Berea, Kentucky.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now if you have never enjoyed this soft drink beverage known
as an Ale-8, you my friend have not lived.<span>
</span>(Actually, you’ll probably live longer, since it’s chocked full of
sugar, additives, secret ingredients and {as described by non- Eastern Kentucky
natives} swamp water). <span> </span>Anyway, I will
have one (or two.<span> </span>OK, probably three
since I’m there until Monday.<span> </span>Don’t be disappointed
in me!)<span> </span>because it’s something I grew up
enjoying and it’s a drink I would share with family and friends.<span> </span>Heck, it’s even the drink my husband and I
toasted with at our wedding.<span> </span>It’s exclusive
to certain regions and I can’t get my Kentucky experience without it.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So then we get to Papa Leno’s.<span> </span>This hole in the wall Italian restaurant is
nestled in downtown Berea on the Berea College campus.<span> </span>My beloved Alma mater is graced with
beautiful architecture, blooming redbuds, dogwoods and majestic Ginko trees,
all of which surround this little restaurant where I spent quality time while
attending the college.<span> </span>The smell of
garlic, fresh tomato sauce and cheesy goodness wafts through the air, drawing
you inside to sit amongst the local art that covers the walls.<span> </span>It’s a happy place.<span> </span>A place to get some great pizza, pasta and
garlic bread that will knock your socks clean off (make sure you wash your
feet!).<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, now that I’ve had a trip down memory lane and probably
made you hungry, my point is this.<span> </span>I don’t
get to visit those places often (I’m 900 miles away!), so even though I’m
committed to being healthy and paleo, I’m going to enjoy my trip and eat the
foods that I associate with the many happy memories of my life. <span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My 30 days that I promised you comes on Tuesday, not long
after I return so I’m sure the results may be a little dampened if I enjoy
things this weekend that will undoubtedly give me carbo bloat.<span> </span>For what it’s worth, I feel great and plan on
continuing this lifestyle long after the 30 days (with perhaps a few
modifications, but I’ll save those for another day) but I want to enjoy this
trip so alas, I will be a cheater once again.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, just in case, I weighed in this morning so you had a
more accurate picture of my progress so far and I will still weigh in on
Tuesday, regardless of the number.<span> </span>I’m a
scientist, I can’t help but give you data, regardless of the outcome.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So… </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><u>Beginning weight:</u><span> </span>139
lbs</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>
</i></span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><u>Today’s weight:</u><span> </span>136.2
lbs</i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also, remember it’s not just about the number on the scale
(Though I’m pretty pleased!), it’s about how your clothes fit, your health, and
how YOU feel.<span> </span>It’s about making a
lifestyle change for the better, not going “on a diet” or being “skinny-fat”.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, I’m going off the grid for the weekend.<span> </span>I will be in the land of more green, less asphalt,
and no 3G (Gah, how will I survive without my smarty phone device?!).<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m heading to my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dog0hf2XaGQ">Old Kentucky Home</a>.</span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-4132325094457956732013-04-04T16:37:00.001-07:002013-04-04T16:37:50.280-07:00Kanzi Feet<!--[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:UseFELayout/>
</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]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9g1jLzd4czc3eQHzFYAE8vZDRVI7SAvX-PlzSLFcu8TlGZbpySVjD1HezRO39Li2hfrWsQ8SA1w37PMCoOsnyqWqyiSxAyAn3fBIv4A47zIIuejqiypvhYuDZirTmLLt4QX0mgJNgd8/s1600/spyridon+ls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9g1jLzd4czc3eQHzFYAE8vZDRVI7SAvX-PlzSLFcu8TlGZbpySVjD1HezRO39Li2hfrWsQ8SA1w37PMCoOsnyqWqyiSxAyAn3fBIv4A47zIIuejqiypvhYuDZirTmLLt4QX0mgJNgd8/s400/spyridon+ls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My husband gifted me with my first pair <a href="http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/Five-Fingers-Sprint-Mens.htm?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=vibram+sprint&utm_content=product+-+sprint+%28exact%29&utm_campaign=brand&mkwid=sEMtoDbjY&pcrid=28882898389">Vibram
Five Fingers</a> in 2009.<span> </span>It was the
beginning of my new workout regimen and he noticed my struggle to run naturally
in a pair of Nike tennis shoes.<span> </span>My
evolutionary desire to run on my forefoot was being impeded by the excess
cushion and “bulky” sole created for modern athletic footwear.<span> </span>The result was a loud, clumsy runner on a
treadmill, destined for an injury.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So we trekked to the nearest running/outdoor sports store
and tried on a pair of what I affectionately called “<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/bonobos/kanzi.html">Kanzi</a> Feet”.<span> </span>Trying to get all five of my toes properly
into these shoes was a challenge to say the least, but I finally managed to get
them on my feet.<span> </span>We both purchased a
pair of the Sprint model and headed out with some words of advice from the
sales representative of the store… ease into them.<span> </span>Slowly increase your mileage, he said. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Confident in my new shoes and my ability to run the 5K
distance I had planned for the day, I strapped on my new Vibram’s and headed to
the gym.<span> </span>The run on that treadmill felt
surprisingly natural.<span> </span>Each of my toes
could now move and function rather than one bulky unit.<span> </span>Each individual bone, muscle, tendon and
ligament working independently; individual parts of a complex and beautifully
designed machine.<span> </span>I stepped off the
treadmill feeling accomplished and headed out to carry on the rest of my day.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I worked out in the mornings so I went on to class and work
that day and soreness began to settle in.<span>
</span>Remember the sales person’s advice?<span>
</span>Yes, I should have headed his warning.<span>
</span>Navigating the steps up to my bedroom might as well have been climbing
Mt. Rainier.<span> </span>I had used muscles I never
thought I had and I was feeling the burn.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But, as I wore them every day and each of those individual muscles
strengthened, I no longer felt like someone had beat my legs with a pillowcase
full of soap bars (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093058/">Full Metal
Jacket</a>, anyone… anyone?).<span> </span>I wore
those sprints for two years, until there were literally holes in the soles.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am now on my third pair of Vibram Five Fingers and I can’t
imagine running in anything else.<span> </span>My
last pair, the Bikila model took me 800 miles through several mud runs, training
for and completing two half marathons, and hiking some of the most beautiful
places including the Red River Gorge in my home state of Kentucky. <span> </span>I retired those in November for a new trail
model (The Spyridon LS if you are interested <span>J</span>)
<span> </span>and they are by far my favorite (so far).<span> </span>They allow me the ability to run “barefoot”
but with a thicker protective sole for those rocky trail runs and the
(sometimes) littered streets of the concrete jungle I call home.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MLk1DDU67Og6Z9zaCgzF2oJ-FCfOdJftNbCZIRZP6jOB0NroYWXwi6Z_jQdluBYY6QObqk8bKJlzOOCbSmiIohqSVB0nakIDcO__UkXcaQynqgugN0bMGdEiWjXw8G5aylZ9h7L4BOA/s1600/gorge+vibrams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MLk1DDU67Og6Z9zaCgzF2oJ-FCfOdJftNbCZIRZP6jOB0NroYWXwi6Z_jQdluBYY6QObqk8bKJlzOOCbSmiIohqSVB0nakIDcO__UkXcaQynqgugN0bMGdEiWjXw8G5aylZ9h7L4BOA/s400/gorge+vibrams.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I first wore these shoes, people would constantly ask “What
are you wearing?!”.<span> </span>Now that they are
more common, I get less questions.<span> </span>But… <span> </span>whenever the curious person does ponder why my
feet look more like our Bonobo relatives than a Brooks clad distance runner, the
anatomy and physiology nerd in my comes out and I usually give them a short
lecture akin to what you’ve just read.<span>
</span>It’s usually more than they needed, but I can’t help but feel satisfied
that I can actually explain why I choose to wear “Kanzi Feet”.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So for all of you who were curious, that’s my Vibram
story.<span> </span>I tell you, there’s always a
method to my madness.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now, head on out and get you a pair.<span> </span>Feel the freedom.<span> </span>Get in touch with your ancestors.<span> </span>Sometimes you have to look backward to move
forward.<span> </span>I’m on the go, are you?</span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-87407108545172250502013-04-02T04:35:00.000-07:002013-04-02T04:37:31.957-07:00Vampires Be Gone<!--[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:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<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]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAdXnds6sS7UdQR8jbunOMopyVWphou7BoZZxiyE4lwMRt1-nl6RlpNfjQt3FhzgDZjGwTLpB360BUx7aepHscPvLZrhcehFxhihEZkxcCPVvDALLHFPBH0bD7QH_mfkRJXnLekbu2jg/s1600/parentsedit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAdXnds6sS7UdQR8jbunOMopyVWphou7BoZZxiyE4lwMRt1-nl6RlpNfjQt3FhzgDZjGwTLpB360BUx7aepHscPvLZrhcehFxhihEZkxcCPVvDALLHFPBH0bD7QH_mfkRJXnLekbu2jg/s400/parentsedit.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“These are not cooked all the way!” Those were the words that came out of my dad’s
mouth when my husband and I first served him Garlic Green Beans. You see, when he thinks of green beans, he
thinks of <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/southern-green-beans-bacon-202019">southern
style green beans</a>. You know the ones
I’m talking about (I know all of my fellow “southern” readers are shaking their
heads and smiling right now)… the ones with green beans cooked down almost to
mush and served in a gooey concoction of lard and butter. They might be green beans, but they are far
from good for you when swimming in rendered pig fat.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Remember how my mother-in-law has a <a href="http://www.fromcupcakestocaviar.com/">food blog</a>? Yeah, she’s a pretty darn good cook. Thankfully, my husband was her little shadow
in the kitchen. Silently watching and
learning the tricks of the trade.
Learning the ins and outs of adding flavor and “oomph” to food, learning
to sauté, flambé, and all of the other cooking techniques you might hear Bobby
Flay or Rachel Ray use on the Food Network.
He managed to do all of this while simultaneously being all things boy:
climbing trees, playing baseball and setting things on fire and blaming his younger
sister (What? I’m convinced all boys are
pyromaniacs). He’s well rounded to say
the least. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">While he was growing up learning to dazzle in the kitchen, I
was growing up around a creek bank or lake side, fishing (and throwing them
back), riding shotgun to the firehouse, and watching late summer thunderstorms
form with my dad. I had no desire to be
in the kitchen with my mom making fried chicken, for it was too gorgeous
outside to be stuck inside over the stove.
And so she let me be my dad’s little shadow, never once telling me I
needed to learn to cook or insisting I needed to help her fix dinner. She let me be wild and free and never
pressured me to fit the “girl” mould. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So I grew up, eating my vegetables (and by vegetables I mean
southern green beans and mashed potatoes) and my husband grew up eating his
(Carrots, peas, green beans, corn, you name it he probably ate it). And after we grew up, we fell in love (awwww,
right?!).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh21eMDe099Wrlk1WdMSYutRnAF0gggzL_4mwPLLCpTXviPy1gz5QF80DAnpe7-d3XPFWFFQUQkWoBchJ6CnvmuYIRk64d4nBAsfQQ_R_bc_5LgHjjST9A3HFc1WZU6r7cqrkvrSDA4Pg/s1600/greenbean+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh21eMDe099Wrlk1WdMSYutRnAF0gggzL_4mwPLLCpTXviPy1gz5QF80DAnpe7-d3XPFWFFQUQkWoBchJ6CnvmuYIRk64d4nBAsfQQ_R_bc_5LgHjjST9A3HFc1WZU6r7cqrkvrSDA4Pg/s400/greenbean+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now of course we had the customary household shower where we
get all of the necessities a couple will need to start a home together. While our collection of cookbooks, flatware,
pots and pans was growing it was apparent which one of us could actually use
this stuff and I will tell you… it wasn’t me.
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve come a long way in the cooking department thanks to
step by step directions, trial and error and a very patient husband. I’ve also come a long way in expanding my
vegetable repertoire. But I still need
things to taste good. Not good for being
a vegetable but just plain gooood. So, I
bring you one of my favorite side dishes that my husband makes: Garlic Green Beans. Don’t panic.
It’s so easy, *I* can do it. They
are very, very tasty. This is one of those
dishes where I actually want seconds. Or
thirds. If you are struggling to get
your husband/wife/son/daughter/dad/mom/Ewok to eat their veggies, try making
these.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Garlic Green Beans</u></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You will need:</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Chopped Garlic (as
much or as little as you prefer, I happen to love it)</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Extra Virgin Olive Oil</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Fresh Green Beans,
trimmed</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Large pot (for boiling
water)</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Sauté pan</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Ice bath (a bowl of
ice water big enough to put the green beans in)</i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Bring water to a boil
and toss in the green beans.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. Cook the beans for
5-7 minutes until they turn bright green.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. Remove the green
beans from the boiling water and drop them into the ice bath to <a href="http://localfoods.about.com/od/preparationtips/qt/How-To-Blanch.htm">blanch</a>
them.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">**If you are in a hurry (or if boiling water isn’t for
forte) you can get the steam in bag green beans from the grocery store and skip
the first 3 steps all together.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. In the sauté pan,
cover the bottom of the pan with Olive Oil and toss in the garlic. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">**You can buy pre-chopped garlic in jars at most grocery
stores to save you a step here as well.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. Bring the pan up
to medium heat and start to brown the garlic (Don’t get the heat too high, you
don’t want to burn it)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">6. Toss in the green
beans.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">7. Use tongs to move
the green beans around the pan periodically, coating them in olive oil and
garlic goodness.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">8. Once the green
beans have heated through again, they are ready to eat.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">9. Enjoy a heaping
helping (maybe two!)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hmm… there was something else?? Oh yeah!
I promised you a two week weigh in!
Drum roll please….</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Beginning weight (3/19/13):</u> <i>139 lbs</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Weight today:</u> <i>136.6 lbs</i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">All in all, I love the way I’m feeling right now. I did enjoy a southern style specialty
dessert compliments of my preacher’s wife on Easter Sunday (can’t turn down a
meal, especially one made with love, remember!?), but everything else has
remained Paleo. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now if you will excuse me,<span style="font-size: large;"> I’m off to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thefreshmarket.com/">The Fresh Market</a>. It’s 2.99 Tuesday!</span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-65905868846460754222013-03-27T16:29:00.002-07:002013-03-27T16:29:58.858-07:00Cheater, Cheater Pants on Fire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xnZnKXWX3CWJKDkVoDWWAbdV4oh0p47RwjTYChRtF__kZ3XX1XXwHMmfy2ScBfaq-9LRxtIz1dCnQb2H_qoHHYL0g4LR73zyODcQZmGbQA8b7wH-47nQnJBRtsHjADgWBofvAj1fChw/s1600/Bec+and+meedit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xnZnKXWX3CWJKDkVoDWWAbdV4oh0p47RwjTYChRtF__kZ3XX1XXwHMmfy2ScBfaq-9LRxtIz1dCnQb2H_qoHHYL0g4LR73zyODcQZmGbQA8b7wH-47nQnJBRtsHjADgWBofvAj1fChw/s400/Bec+and+meedit.jpg" width="361" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So it's been 8 days since I began this Paleo journey. Bad news blog readers... I'm a cheater. I know, know! *Hangs head in shame* You see, this past weekend was my friend's birthday and she wanted none other than the Cathedral of Carbohydrates... <a href="http://www.maggianos.com/en/Pages/home.aspx">Maggiano's</a>. There were 9 of us so we chose the family style meal where everyone shares. I was good. I had the chicken breast and salad. And then they brought out fried cheese. CHEESE! Remember how I love cheese? So I took a bite. Wasn't worth it. So I chugged on through my meal until it was time for dessert. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Oh. Em. Gee. Maggiano's chocolate cake. For those of you who have never eaten this cake before, let me paint you a picture. Imagine angels coming down from the heavens and sprinkling a little bit of this and a little bit of that into a giant mixing bowl and bake until the most moist cake ever to grace your lips is finished. They then cover that dark chocolate, heavenly goodness in a thick layer of chocolate mousse and ice the whole thing in a ganache. Not just any ganache. Thick, creamy, chocolaty. I feel dirty just thinking about it. So... I ate it. And not just one bite. Several bites. <strike>(And maybe someone else's cake too).</strike> Did it taste good? Most definitely. Was it worth the stomach ache the next day? No. Yes. Maybe? Oh who am I kidding, yes it was worth it. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now, I won't be making a habit of indulging but I'm also one to participate in special occasions. I won't be that person who turns down EVERYTHING at a birthday party because it doesn't fit my lifestyle. Besides, if my Memaw taught me anything, it's never turn down a meal given to you, especially when sharing in joyous occasions. So I "broke Paleo" for one meal in the company of good friends and good times and for that, I'm not ashamed. I got right back on track first thing on Sunday and have been going strong since.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So how has this past week gone? Fantastic. Sure, it takes a little more time to prep each of my meals and snacks so that I have Paleo friendly food at work. Sure, it's hard to resist the kindness of my peers at work when they leave baked goods abound in the Faculty and Staff lounge... but I do. Why? Because even after just a week of changing the way I eat, I feel Pretty. Dang. Good. No post carb crashes (except for that post cake coma), no fatigue, no intense cravings where I felt like I <i>needed</i> a bagel <strike>or four</strike>. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Next week I plan to do a weigh in half-way through my 30 day challenge. I can tell you that I feel less "bloated" and more energetic. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This carb loading, dessert loving maniac actual feels full and satisfied
despite cutting out all of those grains and dairy. I'm curious myself as to what results the next 3 weeks will bring. Could this actually
be the <i><b>lifestyle</b></i> for me? </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>**The Title of this Blog Post is dedicated to one of my best friends Becca who coined the phrase "Cheater, Cheater Pants on Fire" </i></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-67043351069176342572013-03-20T07:26:00.000-07:002013-03-20T07:26:54.949-07:00Hangry?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YMUL0tuUDxLioGrCo9rZfpgrwTJliOLwm8Ghn3Y27Y4EeqAcJl1PNop7bp-5pehxrGgXrTKOUwQhbPR2f16l7BZ_FHQzDKK1h-nYIawD58EJp7W6Ie83fDsax11WCehnPVUNYeh4dVg/s1600/hangry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><img height="393" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.fanpop.com/images/polls/8491_1_full.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="338" /></span></span></span></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, if you are back today it's probably because you want to know how yesterday w<span style="font-size: large;">ent</span> for this carbivore on the paleo plan (Right, right!?).</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I will have to admit, I figured yesterday would be no bueno. And by no bueno I mean I figured I would be like "GIVE ME A FREAKIN' MUFFIN OR I'M GOING TO CUT YOU WITH A RUSTY SPORK!" kind of day. But it wasn't. My egg, pepper, and kale breakfast kept me quite satisfied until my mid morning snack of an apple and almond butter. I spent my lunch hour at <a href="http://www.getbullfit.com/">Bull Fitness</a><span style="font-size: large;">' Complete Core class</span> and was off to work. I grabbed a handful of cashews and headed out the door. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">By mid-afternoon when I usually desperately seeking a carbohydrate pick me up, I was still feeling surprisingly satisfied. This was even after sitting through an hour and half meeting when I usually tend to feel the pangs of hunger creep in. My stomach never interrupted our productivity with an angry growl and I didn't feel "<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84173987/hangry-pillow-decorative-pillow-hangry">Hangry</a>" (Hungry+Angry=Hangry, look it up!). Some chopped red bell peppers, sliced turkey and a container of strawberries and blueberries were all I needed in the afternoon.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">By the time I got home from teaching the evening class, it was nearly 8 PM. I made a quick detour at The Fresh Market for a rotisserie chicken and a container of spinach. Voila! Dinner is served. My husband and I enjoyed salads with chicken, strawberries and some cashews.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, I had gone the whole day with not even a bread crumb and yet I felt full. No mid-afternoon crash, no hangriness, no growling stomach. Could it even be possible?!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now I will say this: A headache slowly creeped up on my yesterday evening but seems to have disappeared this morning. I am prone to headaches anyway so I cannot discern whether there was a causal relationship between my diet change and my aching head, but I do know that it's not here today. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, the part you've been "weighting" for: </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Yesterday's weight</b>: <i>141.6</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Yesterday's Body Fat Percentage</b>: <i>29.1% </i> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I knew that the weekend feast of green waffles and syrup contributed to some post St. Patrick's Day carbo bloat so just out of curiosity I stepped on the scale this morning and I was right at 139 pounds. If that number doesn't change (which is highly unlikely) this venture will not be unsuccessful. I'm focusing on getting my body fat percentage down to a healthier number. <span style="font-size: large;">My first goal is to <span style="font-size: large;">reach 24<span style="font-size: large;">% </span></span></span>which is on the upper end for a 20 something female <span style="font-size: large;">in the "fitness" category</span>. (<span style="font-size: large;">This is, o<span style="font-size: large;">f course a longer term goal, and I don't exp<span style="font-size: large;">e<span style="font-size: large;">ct to reach that number after 30 days)</span></span></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I've included a handy chart below so you can utilize it yourself:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<h3>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">General Body Fat Percentage Categories (based on the American Council on Exercise)</span></span></span></h3>
<table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="9" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><th align="left" bgcolor="#ECECFF" width="33%"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Classification</span></span></th>
<th align="center" bgcolor="#ECECFF" width="33%"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Women
(% fat)</span></span></th>
<th align="center" bgcolor="#ECECFF" width="34%"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Men
(% fat)</span></span></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th align="left" bgcolor="#ECECFF" width="33%"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Essential
Fat</span></span></th>
<td align="center" width="33%"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">10-12%</span></span></td>
<td align="center" width="34%"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2-4%</span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th align="left" bgcolor="#ECECFF" width="33%"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Athletes</span></span></th>
<td align="center" width="33%"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">14-20%</span></span></td>
<td align="center" width="34%"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">6-13%</span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th align="left" bgcolor="#ECECFF" width="33%"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Fitness</span></span></th>
<td align="center" width="33%"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">21-24%</span></span></td>
<td align="center" width="34%"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">14-17%</span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th align="left" bgcolor="#ECECFF" width="33%"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Acceptable</span></span></th>
<td align="center" width="33%"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">25-31%</span></span></td>
<td align="center" width="34%"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">18-25%</span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th align="left" bgcolor="#ECECFF" width="33%"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Obese</span></span></th>
<td align="center" width="33%"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">32% plus</span></span></td>
<td align="center" width="34%"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">25% plus</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Now enjoy this image of Pe<span style="font-size: large;">bble<span style="font-size: large;">s an<span style="font-size: large;">d Bam Bam playing baseball<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">:)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="342" id="irc_mi" src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q139/freakyboi212/pebbles_bambam.gif" style="margin-top: 98px;" width="400" /> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bam B<span style="font-size: large;">am!</span></span></span> </span></span></span></h3>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-53647293109374036762013-03-19T03:43:00.001-07:002013-03-19T03:43:42.970-07:00Yabba Dabba Do!<!--[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="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DC0eiQ0YxYI6uzMfp-lbto-n3GZXmI5wjA7GfF2ui1jNgz_gLMbx3lxIWLnfeiQKQRycMuHXrgV2EIqodkJaCcj88Otu55RBRkgraIXLi4io8NBzH_s_zhsYz244DMLrNnof7O0k7GY/s1600/Camcrab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DC0eiQ0YxYI6uzMfp-lbto-n3GZXmI5wjA7GfF2ui1jNgz_gLMbx3lxIWLnfeiQKQRycMuHXrgV2EIqodkJaCcj88Otu55RBRkgraIXLi4io8NBzH_s_zhsYz244DMLrNnof7O0k7GY/s400/Camcrab.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My husband has been dutifully studying carbohydrate
metabolism all semester and is concurrently reading <i><a href="http://insidetheboxbook.com/">Inside the Box</a></i> by T.J.
Murphy.<span> </span>You can read more about the book
if you wish (or even order it) but it basically covers the many aspects of
CrossFit.<span> </span>If you know anything about
CrossFit, you know it focuses on HIIT training (see, I’m not crazy!??)<span> </span>but there is also a section of the book
dedicated to nutrition.<span> </span>I have heard
many “CrossFitters” (term of endearment, of course) swear by their new “<a href="http://thepaleodiet.com/">Paleo</a>” diet and achieve weight loss by
actually consuming MORE fats and less carbohydrates (Shun them, shun the carb
haters!)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span>Feel free to read
more in depth about the Paleo diet (and biologist <a href="http://thepaleodiet.com/dr-loren-cordain/">Dr. Loren Cordain</a>) but the
basic premise is a 40:30:30 ratio of carbohydrates, protein, and fats and those
carbohydrates are to be unprocessed.<span>
</span>Basically, you eliminate agricultural based grain carbohydrates and opt
for those you find naturally in fruits and vegetables already.<span> </span>In essence, if your less evolved ancestor couldn’t
hunt it down or gather it up, don’t eat it.<span>
</span>Now, you know I believe whole heartedly that we are victims of evolution
when it comes to the battle of the bulge.<span>
</span>So perhaps this paleolithic diet is all it’s cracked up to be and we
truly have not lost our ancestral need for a hunter/gatherer diet.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, why am I rambling about paleo?<span> </span>Well, my husband and I (it’s easier when a
friend does it with you, right?) are transitioning to the paleo diet this
week.<span> </span>Now, my husband will probably have
no problem doing this as he’s a meat eating cave man anyway.<span> </span>He can sit down and devour an 18 oz hunk of
Texas’ finest without any issue.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So then we get to me.<span>
</span>I am a “carbivore” to the core.<span>
</span>I.<span> </span>Love.<span> </span>Carbs.<span>
</span>The second best thing to finishing a mud run or half marathon?<span> </span>Eating delicious carbs.<span> </span>Bagels, pasta, potatoes!<span> </span>Carbohydrate heaven.<span> </span>You know what else I love?<span> </span>Cheese.<span>
</span>Delcious, melty, creamy, cheesy goodness.<span> </span>Both of these things are off limits on the paleo
diet.<span> </span>So why on earth would I want to
eliminate the things that I love?!<span> </span>Well,
after following the hubby’s advice and reading the nutrition section of the
book as well as tracking down some studies on insulin resistance and the “agricultural
revolution”, I honestly believe there is solid science behind the diet and I’m
willing to try it.<span> </span>I’m seeking that
lean, mean, race winning machine of a body and I honestly believe my carbo
loading habits are not going to get me there.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, am I telling you that you must go paleo with me? No.<span> </span>Am I telling you <span> </span>to cut out your carbs and your cheese?<span> </span>No.<span>
</span>What I am telling you is this:<span> </span>I
am going to try this for at least 30 days.<span>
</span>Whatever my results are, in 30 days I will share with you my results…
successful or unsuccessful.<span> </span>Now usually
I believe “fad” diets are ridiculous, unhealthy, and counterproductive.<span> </span>However, give me <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20860883">research, studies, and
biological evidence</a> from a scientific prospective and I’m apt to at least
give it a try.<span> </span>I will give you a
starting weight and body fat percentage and after 30 days, I’ll measure again. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will keep you informed throughout this journey and for
better or for worse, you will know the outcome.<span>
</span>So, to all my fellow carbivores out there, have a bagel for me
tomorrow.<span> </span>Who knows?<span> </span>Maybe if this truly is a great diet plan for
me, you might consider giving it a try.<span>
</span>(With some research on your own first, right?!?)<span> </span>But until then, think of me when you enjoy
that <a href="http://www.einsteinbros.com/">Einstein Brothers</a> bagel or that
carbalicious pasta from <a href="http://www.maggianos.com/en/Pages/home.aspx">Maggiano’s</a>.<span> </span>I never said it would be easy, I just said it
would be worth it.<span> </span>Time to test that
mantra to the fullest.<span> </span>So, if you’ve
seen all the hype (and even if you haven’t)<span>
</span>I’m your paleo “guinea pig” for the next 30 days.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This morning I prepared eggs with red sweet peppers and
kale.<span> </span>I resisted that wheat bagel thin
and pita bread I normally would stuff my eggs into in the morning.<span> </span>When Publix opens today (I know! I’m up
writing before Publix is even open!) I’m on a mission to stock up on lots of
veggies, fruits, and some lean proteins.<span>
</span>If I have lots of those things to turn to, I’m less likely to pull out
that bagel and spread it with cheesy goodness. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, here we go.<span> </span>Time
to Paleo.</span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-40376611214349142542013-03-14T04:45:00.000-07:002013-03-14T04:45:27.289-07:00Do you want fries with that?<!--[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:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<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]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m normally pretty awkward and incompetent when it comes to
“shopping” in the “girly” sense of the word.
I will usually decide what I’m going for first, then go and get out as
quickly as possible, limiting my interaction with little humans, Beiber crazed
teenagers who insist on wearing more underwear than pants, and others who I had
hoped Darwin’s theory would have taken care of a long time ago. But, every once in a while, I get that urge to
just roam around the mall. Like... for a
long time. What!? BOGO at Bath and Body Works?! I’m there.
Two for one tees at Old Navy?! I’m
there. Before I know it (or can control
myself), It’s been two hours and my stomach is growling. Surrounding me is a plethora of soft pretzel,
nacho, caramel macchiato, french fry, double bacon, Chinese take-out
temptation. </span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I try to avoid “fast
food” but in instances such as these, it’s not very convenient to pack a
complete lunch to the mall with me, and there’s no way I’m going home yet. So what’s a girl to do?</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now I don’t advocate always turning to these restaurants as
your main sources for lunch/dinner/etc. but there are a few places I can turn
to for a descent, not double fried, “healthy” lunch when I’m away from
home. I’ve made a nice convenient list
of some of my favorites, all of which you can click on and go straight to their
nutrition calculator. I know all of you
reading this have a smarty phone device so just pull up the nutritional information
and make a better lunch decision. (N<span style="font-size: large;">o smart phone? M<span style="font-size: large;">ost places now offer a m<span style="font-size: large;">enu with <span style="font-size: large;">nutritional</span> information<span style="font-size: large;">. D<span style="font-size: large;">on't hesi<span style="font-size: large;">tate to request one!)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.naturestable.com/menu/">Nature’s Table</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.chipotle.com/en-us/menu/nutritional_information/nutritional_information.aspx">Chipotle
Mexican Grill</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.chipotle.com/en-us/menu/nutritional_information/nutritional_information.aspx">Chick-fil-A</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tropicalsmoothie.com/menu/nutritional-calculator/">Tropical
Smoothie Cafe</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.evos.com/pdfs/nutrition.pdf">Evos</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLY9asRHIXO_-Uyyet1McBzH5rI-2Vhi1hbrTqeGmVCNyjze0YZAhhZkMDKyIr9HvcQI7Lqe3XTMFY4dZ_Lj-3T2kfszYhSKvz6xf_f-ZFe3kKqEfjgu6BZ2bg4xN6nU3luTYEi7vBfS4/s1600/evos+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLY9asRHIXO_-Uyyet1McBzH5rI-2Vhi1hbrTqeGmVCNyjze0YZAhhZkMDKyIr9HvcQI7Lqe3XTMFY4dZ_Lj-3T2kfszYhSKvz6xf_f-ZFe3kKqEfjgu6BZ2bg4xN6nU3luTYEi7vBfS4/s400/evos+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even <a href="http://www.wendys.com/food/NutritionLanding.jsp">Wendy’s</a> has a couple
of salad options that won’t be so bad if that’s all you have around although
their ingredient freshness is to be debated.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can choose salads at most places if you wish or you can
also substitute items like fruit cups instead of french fries. Always check the options carefully depending
on your goals. If you are trying to lose
weight, choosing a “salad” with crispy chicken, wonton strips, and ranch
dressing is not going to be a good choice.
Grilled chicken and vinaigrette dressings are better options.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">Trying to lose weight and/or eat healthier? Avoid these places like the plague. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/full_menu_explorer.html">McDonald’s</a>
(Have you seen this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx8SMarzuvM">video</a>!? King Tut himself has less preservatives)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.kfc.com/nutrition/pdf/kfc_nutrition.pdf">Kentucky
Fried Chicken</a> (Hello <a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/FatsAndOils/Fats101/Trans-Fats_UCM_301120_Article.jsp">Trans
fats</a>!)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.fiveguys.com/menu/nutritional-information.aspx">Five Guy’s
Burgers and Fries</a> (I know, I know.
It tastes delicious and I can’t say that I never eat here because out of
them all, this place is my guilty pleasure.
But look at the nutrition information!
I decided I wanted this after a half marathon in November. That was NOT a good choice. I can tell you from experience you will not
feel good after eating here)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ultimately, the less processed food you can eat the
better. It’s up to you to take control
of your life and choose the salad over the waffle fries or the grilled chicken
over the bacon cheeseburger. I will say
this: The more you eat healthy foods,
the “bad” foods don’t settle as well with you when you do consume them and you
may find yourself nursing a churning stomach after a trip through the drive
thru for a large combo with fries and a coke.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Fell off the wagon and ate chicken McNuggets? It’s not the end of the world. Pick yourself up off the floor (which is
where you will probably be since it will make you sick), get back out there and
make healthy choices tomorrow. Work out,
fuel your body with good, wholesome foods and eventually those
nuggets/fries/frostys/blizzards will be the last thing you crave.</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-26367220779288874382013-03-12T04:44:00.002-07:002013-03-12T04:44:59.440-07:00Eat You Must. Love you I do.<!--[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:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<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]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My husband is all of the best things you would want in your
other half.<span> </span>He’s intelligent, funny (an
endearing brand of sarcasm compliments of his mother), loving, dedicated, and
also pretty easy on the eyes if I do say so myself.<span> </span>He’s also a man of few words (also compliments
of his mother) and honest to a fault.<span>
</span>Mornings at our house are quiet.<span>
</span>Sure, there’s ESPN on the TV and the sound of eggs cooking, but the
human interaction is limited to “good morning” and “love you”.<span> </span>My husband usually sounds much less “evolved”
during the morning hours.<span> </span>Conversations
do not take place during these wee hours, before the sun has risen over the bay
and before the K<span style="font-size: large;">eu</span>rig has finished brewing his favorite morning concoction.<span> </span>I send him off to the gym (he is a personal
trainer, remember?) with a belly full of breakfast sandwich and a kiss and that’s
all he needs.<span> </span>No lengthy conversations,
no filler, no fluff.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Why do I tell you these things?<span> </span>Because when my husband does say something,
you can usually bank on two things:<span> </span>1. It’s
true<span> </span>2.<span>
</span>It’s important.<span> </span>Did I mention he
was intelligent?<span> </span>You see, my loving
husband will finish <span style="font-size: large;">a</span> Master’s Degree in Exercise Science this year so he’s
rounding third and heading for home<span style="font-size: large;"> in the <span style="font-size: large;">education game.</span></span><span> </span>I
rely on him to steer me in the right direction for all things “fitness” when I
get a little spazzed (which happens.<span> </span>A
lot.)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now if you’ve been reading my blog so far, you know that I’m
trying to get leaner and I’ve relied on HIIT training to do so.<span> </span>You also know I’m trying to limit my calorie
intake and up the protein in my diet, both important aspects to get that beach
body.<span> </span>What you don’t know is how much I’m
struggling to lose that little pooch nestled in my midsection that will not go
away.<span> </span>I dutifully catalog everything
that goes into my body with my <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/">MyFitnessPal</a>
app and eat every 2.5 to 3 hours.<span> </span>I’ve
avoided alcohol, exercised, and gotten plenty of sleep.<span> </span>That pooch is still there.<span> </span>Now my husband tells me, “You worry too much”.<span> </span>That’s true too.<span> </span>I am a product of <i>my</i> mother too after all.<span> </span>Stressing will <span style="font-size: large;">n<span style="font-size: large;">ot be <span style="font-size: large;">kind to your weight loss journey</span></span></span>.<span> </span>As a matter of fact, chronic stress is correlated
with an increase of cortisol (and a larger mid-section), but since you aren’t
one of my students, I won’t put you through a lecture on the endocrine system
today :).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anyway (sorry, Oooh shiny thing! moment), back to my train
of thought.<span> </span>When I received a text from
Cam one evening last week while he was supposed to be at his institution of
higher learning, I knew two things about this text message:<span> </span>1. It’s true,<span>
</span>2.<span> </span>It’s important.<span> </span>He had written a small paragraph.<span> </span>Wow, it really must be important.<span> </span>It wasn’t an “I make fire” conversation like
our quiet mornings, it was an actual paragraph (Capitalized and punctuated appropriately
I might add.<span> </span>I’m a sucker for a man with
good grammar.<span> </span>I suppose you can thank
his Mom for that too :P).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">He went into detail on how many calories I should be taking
in to maintain my weight based on my BMR (<a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/basal+metabolic+rate">Basal Metabolic
Rate</a>) and my level of activity.<span>
</span>Turns out, it was quite a bit more than I expected.<span> </span>I’ll save you the details, but needless to
say, I have actually been guilty of depriving my body of too many
calories.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So the question I often get asked is:<span> </span>How many calories <i>should</i> I be consuming? <span> </span>Well,
that depends on a number of factors so each individual is going to be different.<span> </span>You can calculate your BMR and factor in
your activity level to get a ballpark number of how many calories you should be
eating a day.<span> </span>If you want to lose 1
pound a week (which is a healthy way to do it), just subtract 500 calories from
the overall suggested intake you need to maintain your weight.<span> </span>My BMR is around 1552, my suggested caloric
intake to maintain my weight (based on my personal activity level) is around
2400 calories.<span> </span>(2400!).<span> </span>So for me to continue to lose a pound a week
(which for me is unreasonable at this point), I would cut out 500 calories a
day for an intake of 1900 calories.<span> </span>Now,
I know what you are thinking:<span> </span>“How on
earth did you arrive at those numbers?”<span> </span>and
“It’s too early/late/never a good time for math!”.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So here’s an easier way:<span>
</span>Runner’s World has a great <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/tools/daily-calories-calculator">BMR
calculator</a> on their website.<span> </span>Just
put in your height, current weight and age and it will give you calorie
suggestions based on your activity level.<span>
</span>Pick your activity level and that’s how many calories will sustain your
current weight.<span> </span>Trying to lose
weight?<span> </span>Subtract 500.<span> </span>You want slow and steady weight loss and you
are more likely to keep it off.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Remember to use the calories from the activity level
suggested and not the BMR.<span> </span>If you
subtract 500 from that number you will pretty much be starving yourself.<span> </span>And then you will get pregnant and die.<span> </span>Not really(!), but you will be depriving your
body of your most basic needs.<span> </span><a href="http://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html">Maslow</a>
would not be happy.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lessons of the day:</i><span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Listen to exercise scientists (even when you are married to
them and want to be exempt).<span> </span>They study
this stuff so that you can be better informed.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Exercise!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eat!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Don’t communicate with a Halfacre before 5 AM and expect a <span style="font-size: large;">conversation akin to a thesis <span style="font-size: large;">defense<span style="font-size: large;"> :)</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejEVczA8PLU"><span style="font-size: large;">Hakuna Matata!</span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpNcZAJ9gJsuChC-RZP7V9m7KERsWkgRkpg3wZadSgaQp3O6FUEOQge9eHRrCrKzlqI06pe3HId1Ry-kElfvZpRFjnLcSrzB0j9V3UX36dAlP9W65s_A2BRZCdQUa0igXC8OwARN_J8Y/s1600/Ribbet+collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpNcZAJ9gJsuChC-RZP7V9m7KERsWkgRkpg3wZadSgaQp3O6FUEOQge9eHRrCrKzlqI06pe3HId1Ry-kElfvZpRFjnLcSrzB0j9V3UX36dAlP9W65s_A2BRZCdQUa0igXC8OwARN_J8Y/s400/Ribbet+collage+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nfktKLsAqdgC0meOeWr3qqWErVlRsKhuc9Zu3aSphUp_wEHgKbRAWFacg6_aCF3UbjKnib-cn60uv37XB7q1MLy-Ep9VvigX0HMkin7MJeuZL6hZtEzbWu7mS2xoYzv_xrBjcxfoUgg/s1600/cam+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nfktKLsAqdgC0meOeWr3qqWErVlRsKhuc9Zu3aSphUp_wEHgKbRAWFacg6_aCF3UbjKnib-cn60uv37XB7q1MLy-Ep9VvigX0HMkin7MJeuZL6hZtEzbWu7mS2xoYzv_xrBjcxfoUgg/s400/cam+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </span></span></span><span></span></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-64581308639442209232013-03-10T12:33:00.003-07:002013-03-10T12:33:49.411-07:00Bless Her Heart<!--[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:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<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]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Bless your heart, you are gonna dry up and blow away!”<span> </span>That’s the usual response from my loving
Memaw when I come visit.<span> </span>She’s convinced
I’m starving.<span> </span>I appreciate her sentiment
(and the once a year feast of homemade biscuits and sausage gravy she so
lovingly prepares) but in reality, I do eat.<span>
</span>(Pretty much all day).<span> </span>Growing
up, if it wasn’t prepared in lard, smothered in gravy, or deep fried, <span> </span>it probably wasn’t on my plate.<span> </span>My mother is from a long line of<span style="font-size: large;"> dow<span style="font-size: large;">n home, southern soul</span></span>
cooks.<span> </span>Southern Fried Chicken, Biscuits
and Gravy, and pretty much Crisco laden deliciousness were on the everyday menu.<span> </span>Paula Deen has nothing on my Memaw and her
cooking, but unfortunately, that food isn’t good for my health or my waist
line.<span> </span>Now that I’m eating healthy and
exercising regularly, I eat differently to foster my new healthy
lifestyle.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m definitely not starving.<span>
</span>I honestly eat every 2.5 to 3 hours during the day.<span> </span>The more often you eat, the better.<span> </span>It keeps your metabolism fired up and
discourages extra energy storage because your body isn’t apt to think it’s
going to be a while before your next meal.<span>
</span>So what do I eat?<span> </span>I eat small,
healthy, (and delicious!) meals throughout the day.<span> </span>I also make sure I enjoy each bite.<span> </span>Fuel your body, but also fuel your mind.<span> </span>Here’s what a typical day of meals looks like
for me:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Breakfast:</u><span> </span>A
scrambled egg, <span> </span>2% milk cheese and a
couple of slices of lean turkey on a bagel thin (or sandwich thin, or English muffin,
whatever Publix has on BOGO special *lol*)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Post-workout snack:</u><span>
</span>Protein shake or Greek Yogurt</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Mid-morning snack:</u><span>
</span>Apple with 1 TBS of peanut butter</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Lunch:</u><span> </span>Field
greens with half a cup of strawberries and chicken breast with my favorite
dressing (right now I’m loving raspberry vinaigrette),<span style="font-size: large;">and a</span> greek yogurt (told you
I’m obsessed)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Afternoon snack:</u><span>
</span>A banana</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Dinner:</u><span> </span>Lean
protein (chicken, lean beef, pork, etc) with rice (I love basmati, jasmine and
brown and wild rice mix.<span> </span>Ah, let’s be
honest, I love all rice) and a vegetable (Green beans and asparagus are my
favorites)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Evening snack:</u><span>
</span>100 calorie popcorn, ¾ cup of Kashi cereal or any number of low sugar snacks.<span> </span>Find what you like the best.<span> </span>Even frozen yogurt is good on occasion to get
your ice cream fix without all of the calories and fat.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can tweak this to fit your tastes.<span> </span>Enjoy your food and you won’t feel like you
are depriving yourself.<span> </span>The feeling of
deprivation will usually lead to a Ben and Jerry’s binge followed by an ice
cream headache and stuffed rumbling belly.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">One last note:<span> </span>Every
once in a while, eat that cupcake/cookie/brownie.<span> </span>If you eat healthy most of time the time,
that occasional “splurge” isn’t going to kill you or pack on the pounds.<span> </span>Just exercise, eat a healthy diet, and on
those special days when your loving <a href="http://www.fromcupcakestocaviar.com/">mother-in-law</a>/husband/co-worker makes red
velvet cupcakes stuffed and covered with cream cheese frosting, you can indulge
and eat one.<span> </span><b>Moderation is the key</b>.<span> </span>Eat.<span>
</span>Be healthy.<span> </span>Be <span style="font-size: large;">h</span>appy. Take a look
in the mirror and like what you see.<span> <span style="font-size: large;">Ultimately, you are doing t<span style="font-size: large;">his for you and n<span style="font-size: large;">o one else. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/CreativeWork">"...I am the master of my fate<span style="font-size: large;">. </span>I am the captain of my soul." - <span style="font-size: large;">taken from <i>Invictus</i> by W.E. H<span style="font-size: large;">enley</span></span>
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-79424957258193606962013-03-09T12:26:00.000-08:002013-03-09T17:27:04.662-08:00Run for your Life<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cardio, cardio, cardio! That's the name of the game to burn through that fat right? Wrong. Now, before you think I've been standing in front of the microwave too long without my tin foil hat, just hear me out. I am not telling you cardio is bad, I'm just saying that excessive cardio is counter productive and could be slowing down your slim down. Now I know what you are thinking, "This looney woman runs 13 miles, voluntarily, more than once and she's telling me <i>I </i>do too much cardio?! I might as well stop reading now." That first statement is true. I do run. A lot more than most of the people who give this blog the time of day, but I don't spend all of my time running and I alter my workout depending on whether or not I'm actually training for a distance race. So, let's get to the real issue today. How to use cardio to compliment your workout, not be the bulk of it.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are victims of evolution. Our ancestors spend a good chunk of their day using valuable energy searching for food sources. When they finally did eat, their bodies held on to as much of that as possible, storing it up for what could be another significant chunk of time before the next meal. We have 21st century, first world problems now, but like anything in evolution, our bodies have not fully adapted to letting go of that extra fat it's storing for "hard times". The answer to this predicament is twofold: Eat more often (which I will dive into detail more in the next installment of my madness) and do more strength training, with cardio sprinkled in. If you eat every 2-3 hours, your body will be less likely to go into starvation mode and want to store those calories. If you limit your cardio, your body is also less likely to hold on to what you eat for the long haul. So what can you do to get out of the cardio rut? Well let me share a few tips. You see, I was a victim of the cardio mantra for quite sometime and the last 10 lbs (which eventually melted off when I tried this) were very stubborn. Here is what I did to break through the cardio plateau.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">First, get off the elliptical. Seriously. If you've been on there for more than 30 minutes, get off. The longer you stay, the more your body will just want to store fuel to gear up for a big hunt that is never going to happen.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let me paint you a picture:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">You arrive at the gym. Do not stop at the Cardio Mecca. Instead, take your fine self over to the free weights (or if you are still uncomfortable with those, the machines will be fine).</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pick out 9 separate strength training exercises for this day. (I usually did one day for upper body, one for lower). They can include pushups, curls, tricep dips, flies, etc. Now I have the tendency to walk into the gym and immediately feel overwhelmed. This can lead to some serious ADD on my part and I would often resort to jumping on the Elliptical. You may find my method of writing down your exercises on a post it note before you go very helpful to combat this problem. To be honest, my gym ba<span style="font-size: large;">g</span> still has about 25 colorful post-it notes I can cycle through when I've got a bad case of the "Oooh shiny things!".</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">Make the BOSU ball your friend. Try standing on the BOSU while doing curls, this lets you work your core at the same time. Now, do three different exercises in succession, quickly. Repeat three times. Try not to take too long of a break between them, you want to keep that heart rate up. Take a brief break for water at the end of the third set then go on to your second set of three. All 9 exercises should take you about half an hour. Feeling beastly yet? You should be. But you aren't quite finished. Now it's time to do the beloved cardio.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">Go find an open treadmill and get ready to get your sprint on. (If your knees aren't quite up to this yet, you can do the same sort of workout on an ARC trainer or elliptical machine)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know you are tired but give this all you've got left. You are 15 minutes from post workout glory.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spend the first 1:30 at a jog/slow run pace (fast walking is OK too if you are a beginner). At the 1:30 mark, sprint (or jog/run if you are a beginner) for 30 seconds then return to your beginning pace. Repeat this sprint every 1:30 until that timer says 15 minutes. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Congratulations. You've just done some High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and are on your way to breaking out of the cardio rut. Now do a nice 5 minute cool down, stretch out, and hit the showers. Seriously, go shower. You're drenched and smelly :).</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gzvjBpYUqgHeDq8lrz6Yofqk0CDuPaPhhdynw3MRh5TETlv0UI-N4Qw1SsHgLlA76erOpOy5eJ5ThN47eWVREAgJZs2JPUTsKd3ftG8zHV4FVOwr_SDb6YeCwkUN_55Gv4wHHlktTCQ/s1600/Ribbet+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gzvjBpYUqgHeDq8lrz6Yofqk0CDuPaPhhdynw3MRh5TETlv0UI-N4Qw1SsHgLlA76erOpOy5eJ5ThN47eWVREAgJZs2JPUTsKd3ftG8zHV4FVOwr_SDb6YeCwkUN_55Gv4wHHlktTCQ/s400/Ribbet+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-9156242601250450212013-03-07T05:11:00.002-08:002013-03-07T05:16:46.295-08:00Elvis and Girl Scouts<!--[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:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<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]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[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:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<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]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">Raise your hand if you love peanut butter? *Two hands high in the air!* I love peanut
butter… peanut butter cookies, peanut
butter and banana sandwiches, apples and peanut butter, peanut butter and jelly
and my arch nemesis this time of year, “Tagalongs” peddled by those wonderful
little humans dressed in green sashes and a smile. I can just pass by the Girl Scout Cookie
booth at the nearest Publix Supermarket and feel my behind getting bigger. </span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">My husband works out.
A lot. And his metabolism must be
much better than mine. He can afford to
consume a few extra calories in the form of processed, chocolate covered,
peanut buttery tagalong goodness. I on
the other hand am trying to lose a few more body fat percentage points, so I
can’t be settling in to watch Duck Dynasty with a box of cookies and a glass of
milk. I am also trying to supplement
more protein in my diet (time to build lean muscle!). That in itself is a challenge when trying to
consume less calories during the day. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">The solution? “The
Elvis” protein shake. Now I have some
form of a protein shake everyday with variations depending on the type of
fruit/milk/etc. we have in the house. Now
I know what you are thinking… Elvis must mean peanut butter <span style="font-size: large;">and</span> banana. Crazy woman, don’t you know how many calories
are in just one serving of peanut butter?!
Why yes, yes I do. While perusing
the isles at Whole Foods, I came across a peanut butter lover’s best friend, <i>PB2</i>.
They’ve packed all the peanuty (yes, peanuty) goodness into powder form
with only 45 calories per 2 TBS serving.
If you love Peanut Butter but could stand to lose the extra calories and
fats from your diet, this stuff is for you.
It’s my latest <s>obsession</s> addition to my protein shakes.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">To the task at hand:
Make a delicious and good for you protein shake that you can consume
after a hard workout or if you are in a hurry (always on the go right?),
lunch. I make this for my husband and I
to share so you can half the ingredients if needed. Sub in Silk or 1% milk and any of your favorite
fruits to make this your own.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>“The Elvis” Protein Shake</i></b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">4 Scoops <i>True Athlete</i>
Chocolate Protein Powder</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 TBS <i>PB2</i></span></span></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">4 Cups Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 Ripe Banana</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">Place the powdered ingredients into the blender first. Throw in a banana, pour in the almond milk
and pulse a few times to get the powder to mix.
You may have to scrape the sides with a spoon a couple of times to mix
in the PB2. Blend thoroughly.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">I usually put mine in a to<span style="font-size: large;">-</span>go container to take with me in my
lunch box or drink in the car on the way to work. Now, go forth and enjoy! </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiti8ZdIlE5JrLE43hRbfkhckZM94vkQmSwDA7654eOaymgbanfYkM36Kb9F9Epc7104q14RX7FhgXHojo-tMq8TNC9DAgAoseF7Q-0goV3uUFh9vUHm6KD8vSTDqx7_dpoC_nOPGYvP4A/s1600/Elvis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiti8ZdIlE5JrLE43hRbfkhckZM94vkQmSwDA7654eOaymgbanfYkM36Kb9F9Epc7104q14RX7FhgXHojo-tMq8TNC9DAgAoseF7Q-0goV3uUFh9vUHm6KD8vSTDqx7_dpoC_nOPGYvP4A/s400/Elvis.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Calories: 510 (255 per serving)</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Carbohydrates: 48 g (24g
per serving)</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Fat: 18g (9g per
serving)</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Protein: 50g (25g per serving)</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Sodium: 1135g (568g
per serving)</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Sugars: 20g (10g per
serving)</i></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-13028849669905010322013-03-06T03:44:00.001-08:002013-03-15T12:23:40.036-07:00What would *you* know about being overweight?<!--[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:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<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]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</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-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0W8q6oovFd_FnXBx-3UPPJyYZQux-LVH97yZs8I5lmm4VMOxjnQw34K86gV9dkn6EsrDkx0zIuGlFr1BxeJwrtCfxeOqGBoWtXmZsZn3odHoEQGjiSoUK7uOKDjNG4CeN_77rja-dw8/s1600/Collage25171524(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0W8q6oovFd_FnXBx-3UPPJyYZQux-LVH97yZs8I5lmm4VMOxjnQw34K86gV9dkn6EsrDkx0zIuGlFr1BxeJwrtCfxeOqGBoWtXmZsZn3odHoEQGjiSoUK7uOKDjNG4CeN_77rja-dw8/s400/Collage25171524(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you’ve only known me for the past couple of years, you
may be asking yourself “What does she know about being overweight?!?” Well as a matter of fact I know quite a
bit. You see, that was me in 2006 when I
started college. My 5’3’’ frame was
tipping the scales at 180lbs and I was struggling to fit into a size 15 pair of
jeans. A few years of some medications,
poor nutrition habits and eating my feelings had destroyed the petite body I
had at the beginning of my teen years.
Every look in the mirror was disappointing. But it wasn’t just my body image, it was my
health. I had several instances of
hypoglycemia episodes, headaches and my knees ached. Struggling to climb the four flights of
stairs to my class, I knew I needed to make a change. My loving boyfriend (turned fiancé, then
husband) was studying physical education as well as preparing to be a personal
trainer. He agreed to show me a program
that wouldn’t exasperate my then very troublesome Fibromyalgia symptoms but
would get me where I wanted to be both for my body image and to salvage my
health before it was too late.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The first step was to cut out junk. No more hoarding Little Debbie snack cakes in
my dorm, no guzzling a soda before class and no daily trips to DQ for a chicken
strip basket and an Ale-8 (that’s blasphemy, right!) I was successful in tweaking my diet but by
2008, the year I got married, I had only lost about 15 lbs. Looking at myself in all my wedding photos, I
<s>wanted</s> needed more. It was time to start working on the fitness
aspect. I made myself get up every
morning, 5 days a week and head to Seabury Center at Berea College. I did cardio on the treadmill and utilized
the various free weights and machines for the strength training. By the time we went on vacation to
Jacksonville in 2009, I was down to 150lbs.
Happy? Yes. Satisfied<span style="font-size: large;">?</span>
No. Our bodies are remarkable
machines, capable of so much. I wanted
mine to be as fine tuned and as powerful as it could be. I kept hitting the gym, and tried to eat healthier
than I had been. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">By the time I reached college graduation, I was down to 140
lbs and proudly wore a size 8 dress across the stage to receive my diploma
(covered by an <span style="font-size: large;">over sized</span> gown that hid all of my hard work of course). My health had improved greatly and I spent
less time aching and more time “aching” to get out and run. After graduation, my husband and I moved to
Florida in the Summer of 2010. I had achieved
a lot in weight loss, now it was time to tone up (Beach body time, right!)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the past two years, I have tweaked my diet to fit my
metabolism needs. I eat 5-6 small meals
a day to keep my metabolism fired up.
Two days of strength training a week, plus my favorite cardio (who would
have thought I would ever say that!), running.
I supplement that with group fitness classes such as Spin and Bootcamp
at BullFitness a couple of blocks from my home.
Running has become my new passion.
Since my move, I’ve completed 3 half marathons and plan to complete a
full one in December of this year. I
have also competed in various mud runs and obstacle courses, the most recent
being the Super Spartan race in Miami, Florida.
My first mile I completed at the beginning of this journey took me 16
minutes. I have come a long way, but I’m
not finished. I am still tweaking my
diet, still changing up my workouts and still striving for more. I am so happy with how far I’ve come but I
want more. I want to be <b>my</b> best. I am
still on the journey to being healthy and fit.
Won’t you take this journey with me?</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-31193310703515512212013-03-05T07:01:00.003-08:002013-03-05T10:39:24.192-08:00Go Greek<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Anyone who raids my refrigerator will know it is full of greek yogurt. Packed in that tiny container is twice the protein of regular yogurt and a provides you with a great post work out snack. I am a huge fan of Fage, Oikos, and Voskos Greek Yogurt brands and turn to them often for snacking and post work out pick me ups. The downside? Anywhere from 15-20 grams of sugar per serving. Now, that isn't completely a bad thing, especially if you are burning calories with regular workouts, but if you can cut out some sugar, why not? While in the grocery store today I came across Yoplait Greek. I am not a fan of Yoplait regular yogurt considering it's either packed with sugar, packed with artificial sweeteners and has half the protein content than regular yogurt. I decided it was worth a shot and checked out the package. Kudos to Yoplait. They've managed to create a 100 calorie greek yogurt with only 9 grams of sugar. The 13g of protein in this little package is comparable to the 12-14 in the other brands with up to half of the sugar eliminated. Another plus? You save 30-60 calories than Voskos, Oikos, or Fage. So it must taste awful, right? Wrong. I promptly popped the top of the Black Cherry flavor this morning and was pleasantly surprised. Sure, it's not quite as thick and I will say I prefer the flavor of my other favorite greek yogurts, but I call this a success for Yoplait. If you are looking to add more protein (which you ARE, right?) AND cut the sugar, this greek yogurt is for you. So go on out and buy one. Or ten (not to consume all at once, o<span style="font-size: large;">f</span> course). Pack one in your lunch box or grab one after that workout I know you are going to do today. Happy and Healthy Snacking!</span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109598469000458044.post-66406121207883898492013-03-05T06:43:00.000-08:002013-03-05T06:44:07.079-08:00I'm on the go, are you?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGxQxmcBO1wM8-rPSarC1XrTdAZaIr40sJYVylCoj7zH-P_px_XApJ8LcVuPQ2Ucr2VauMbIPghRwmAK-DuNMgPZ7W0pF6pKlh8QSNFod9dDJWkwjpUsFzBZmc6ijCgOuHe7QASzuMes/s1600/blog+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGxQxmcBO1wM8-rPSarC1XrTdAZaIr40sJYVylCoj7zH-P_px_XApJ8LcVuPQ2Ucr2VauMbIPghRwmAK-DuNMgPZ7W0pF6pKlh8QSNFod9dDJWkwjpUsFzBZmc6ijCgOuHe7QASzuMes/s320/blog+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where do I begin? It has been a long journey and I am still finding my way in the world of health and fitness. I don't always have the answers, I don't always turn down a double chocolate chunk cookie and I don't always run 10 miles a day. I am however, healthier and happier than I have ever been and this is my way of sharing my journey with you. I can't give you a quick fix, I can't tell you it will be easy but I can say from experience it will all be worth it. So if you are ready, throw on your workout clothes, grab your grocery bags and prepare yourself for a life change. <span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820465270298910744noreply@blogger.com0