tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42397398079149016882024-02-26T02:04:28.314-05:00Destination UnknownNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.comBlogger1738125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-72031422368349949112016-05-10T22:21:00.000-04:002016-05-10T22:21:21.050-04:00Follow my new blogWant more?<br />
Want to find out how things turned out?<br />
<br />
Visit Destination Unknown - Part 2 at:<br />
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<a href="https://nicolesdestinationunknown.com/">https://nicolesdestinationunknown.com/</a><br />
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Hope to see you there!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-30600376692475347392016-03-11T08:35:00.002-05:002016-03-11T08:49:43.812-05:00This is goodbye from Destination Unknown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is time to say goodbye to all of you! That's right, this will be the final post from Destination Unknown.<br />
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I've been struggling to keep my blog going over the past couple of years. Perhaps it's due to the public nature of my profession, the lesser anonymity in a smaller community, or maybe, like my dear friend Heather pointed out, maybe I've found my Destination - It's happiness.<br />
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No, things aren't perfect, far from it. But I'm technically in a good place and it will get better.<br />
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I'm in love, to a good man, and my heart is in a safe place. I have reached one of the heights of my career - I actually get to run a museum. I'm getting paid to write. My blood pressure has been normal for over a year. I've dropped 20 pounds and counting... you know.. 43 is not looking so bad.<br />
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I started this blog in August of 2009. I was 36 years old. Newly married to the egyptian, and honestly, I was in a good place then. If you go back and read, that slowly began to crumble. The whole failure of that cultural fusion of a marriage was documented for the world to see. You were there when I lost a job for the very first time. When I had to move back home. While I struggled to find work during a recession for over 9 months. (Which to this day is the darkest period of my life.) How I was able to rebuild and reestablish myself in my hometown. The joy of unpacking my things out of storage after 9 months. The divorce. The loss of another great job. (Again - none of these were through any fault of my own (job wise).) Then starting a brand new job and going on the date with my SG (and btw, his name is Tim. The egyptian was Yasser.)<br />
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I shared my heart ache over the loss of friends or the distance from people I loved. I shared my cancer scares, the meningitis, the anger over political issues, etc.<br />
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For those of you who have been on this journey with me over the years, I thank you. I used to get almost 50,000 views a week. That was pretty special, considering the only wares I'm peddling was my life's story. I'm not going to delete my blog, however, in a week or so, I will unpublish it and save it in a draft for me. Sometimes, I might want to go back and read my little journey. My Facebook fan page will be deactivated in about a week. I want to give any of you who might actually still be reading a chance to read this.<br />
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If you ever find yourself in Macon, stop by the Cannonball House on Mulberry Street. Ask for Nicole. Let me know you are a reader. Would love to shake your hand.<br />
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You can follow me on instagram. There is a button on the side bar, as well as Twitter. Heck, you could even follow me on Facebook.<br />
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Here's hoping the future is just as bright. You never know... I could always come back and reinvent my blog. But I doubt it will be anytime soon.<br />
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1900 blog entries.<br />
Over 8 million views.<br />
Most searched word: Fried Pickles<br />
Most viewed Post: You'll Thank Me Later on December 10, 2011. 205,228 views<br />
Much love to each of you. I leave you with a simple...<br />
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Until next time.<br />
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<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-44020095488057793332016-03-10T18:51:00.001-05:002016-03-10T18:51:20.231-05:00To Shut Down or Not to Shut Down?I've been doing some serious debating over the past year. I question whether I want to blog anymore.<br />
It used to be fun, but lately feels like a chore.<br />
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That's not good.<br />
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Over the past month, I've posted videos about women's issues in honor of Women's History Month, and I noticed that I've lost 33 followers during the past few weeks.<br />
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I used to write so my good friends could keep up with me when I lived in Birmingham, as a way to stay involved in my life. I've since moved home and probably see everyone even less than I ever did before.<br />
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I'm not sure I want my life to be such a public display as much as I use to. It's something I struggle with. I might want to save some stories for myself. Maybe my memoirs? Who knows.<br />
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I rarely get comments or feedback or letters. About 4 years ago, I would have dozens of comments and conversation with people about the various topics. Zip lately.<br />
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It's like I'm just writing to the wind, which is fine, but I can do that in a notebook at home.<br />
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Maybe that's what I'll do.<br />
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I'm going to make the decision this week as to whether I will keep this. I will shut it down, and also deactivate the Destination Unknown Facebook fan page. It's not really all that necessary any more.<br />
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I do have my other website, but that one will strictly become my travel log. Nothing personal, just showcasing interesting places to visit. Simply because I travel so much.<br />
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If you want to follow me there, it's nicoledestinationunknown.com. Maybe it's time to just start over. I've been at this since August of 2009, almost 7 years. I think it has just ran its course.<br />
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Time to move on. Keep on keeping on.<br />
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I'll let you know what I decide.<br />
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Until then,Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-16483878384560562932016-03-08T08:55:00.001-05:002016-03-08T08:55:32.883-05:00Finding my Zen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been a little quiet lately with my writing because I have been slam packed with activities. Not only the events and what not, but battling bronchitis and I had three teeth extracted. Yes, three. Luckily, they are on the bottom left hand side. I will eventually get an implant and a bridge to fix it all up, but for now.. and we're talking it's been over a week, I must heal.<br />
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I feel terrible. Still.<br />
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Luckily, I was able to get away last weekend to the cabin. I needed to restore some sense of balance into my life. Working on all speeds, deeply medicated, was not easy.<br />
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We had a huge event at the Cannonball House - complete with reenactors. We did our monthly story time which was Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. The kids got to dress as pirates, it was a hoot!<br />
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On Friday, SG's mom and I drove around some old country roads and came across this abandoned old church. Circa 1870. Good stuff.<br />
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Then, of course, there was the business of life. SG had a few projects he wanted to work on around the cabin (those pics coming soon - but the door is now RED!) I had to work on four freelance writing projects. Which in turn just kills my spirit for blogging. But hey, I have to put bacon on the table!<br />
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I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the videos I've been posting. It's good stuff!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-81830644442410789452016-03-01T10:30:00.002-05:002016-03-01T10:31:53.445-05:00Are You A Leader?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If I could pick a team of women to be my fantasy besties, I think Sheryl Sandberg would be at the top of that list. She happens to be the COO of Facebook and an incredibly intelligent and relate-able person. She seems to get what it means to balance a work life, as well as a personal life, and I like that. If we have to pick a mentor in this world to look up to, I think she has done a great job of sharing her thoughts on the topic of women as leaders.<br />
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I think I was always a leader. As they say, "She gets it from her mama." My mom is a force to be reckoned with. She is a take charge-take-no-prisoners type of leader. I, on the other hand, have the ability to do that, but I choose to put a splash of sugar in with it. Why?<br />
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Because I like to see people succeed. I really, <i>really </i>do. I like to help people strategize their lives and figure out the best course of action with the tools they have available. Heck, that's how I live my life.<br />
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March is Women's History Month. We take a moment and remember the women who have come before us and made such a difference in how the world works. I like that. However, just like I was in college, I am more interested in what we are doing now. I enjoy history and I find it interesting - hence the whole museum bit. But I LOVE doing something now, not just regurgitating what someone else did. (ie - I am also a journalist.) Journalism is history in the making, and I have always gravitated toward the trailblazers. All month, I'm going to share inspirational videos and memes and posts about strong, vibrant women. I have always wanted to lead, it's in my blood, and I've been blessed with an opportunity to run a museum.<br />
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Did you hear me? I get to <i>run </i>a museum!!! The little girl in me still gets giddy about this. I did it - I really did it. I achieved a goal. The funny part is, it was just a whimsical dream, you know the kind? Where you make a list of everything you would love to become one day, and this happened to be one of them. I'm an Executive Director. I still have to pinch myself.<br />
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My mom is an Executive Director. My sister was an Executive Director. My father was a supervisor. Most of my dad's side were military. It's just in our blood.<br />
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I want to see more girls strive to make their dreams come true. I really, <i>really </i>do. Whatever that looks like. I also want to see women strike a better work-life balance, something I think Generation X values. If you get a chance, watch the following video. It is inspiring and says so much. Meet my fantasy bestie - Sheryl. She's one smart cookie.<br />
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-2450384356077624352016-02-29T15:12:00.001-05:002016-02-29T15:12:35.829-05:00Tales From A Nonprofit Director<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Someone once said to me, "Man, you've got it good. Working for a nonprofit must be so much fun."<br />
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And it is. But it is not easy. Now, before I go into this long diatribe about how hard my life is and how many hours I put in, please know, I get it. I get that there are a LOT of perks. As with any job, there are pros and cons, but unlike most jobs, my world is a whole lot more fickle and revolves, my dear ones, around you. Yes, you.<br />
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I've worked in nonprofits for many, many years. Even in college, my part time jobs were with nonprofits, so that means for 25 years of my life, the whole "serving others" bit has been in my blood. (Outside of that short stint in television, this really is all I know.)<br />
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Wherever I work, there is always a mission. Our mission is basically our purpose or service. When I worked for the Girls Scouts, it was to improve the character and empower girls of all ages. When I was with the American Heart Association, it was to encourage people to live longer, healthier lives. When I worked for the Tubman Museum, I worked diligently to educate people about African American art, history and culture, and now, my sweet readers, my job is devoted to acquiring, conserving, interpreting, and exhibiting artifacts reflecting Georgia’s heritage from the antebellum through reconstruction eras. I try to engage and inspire the community by presenting authentic and entertaining educational programs, exhibits, and special events through a wide range of events.<br />
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I'm not doing it for me. Heck, I already know this stuff. I'm at the museum more than I am at home. I offer these events, programs, tours for YOU. It's all for you.<br />
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I live in a community where showing pride in your city and promoting what is good and just is our raison d'etre. When I got hired, we had a hand full of solid programs and very little movement toward growing and expanding into our community. We needed support. Just like at every other nonprofit I have worked for, I worked hard, with our staff, to create program, events, and pull out little intriguing nuggets to share with our community. The key here was to engage my audience.<br />
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That requires creativity, time, and a whole lot of trial and error. We stuffed our program calendar with offerings, and now we offer just about everything under the sun. These fun events take up a majority of mine and the staff's weekend time. It takes months of planning, begging, borrowing, and pleading to make these "little nights out" for you and your loved ones happen. If you don't support the nonprofit, it will be all for naught.<br />
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As I sit here, typing this quick blog post out, I'm trying desperately to keep my eyes open. I'm running on antibiotics, pain pills, and about 4 hours sleep. I had some dental work done last week (emergency,) and I had a huge event all day Saturday. I stood at our front door, smiling and chatting it up with hundreds of people. I talked so much on Saturday, that at 3:15, when I wiped my mouth thinking I had a little bit of saliva, realized it was a little blood from the procedure. I left, only to go lay my head down for 30 minutes, then got dressed and headed out to be a celebrity judge for a local college's talent show/musical revue. I got home just before midnight.<br />
I was wiped out.<br />
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I came into work today because I knew I had a lot to do... for you. I wanted to make sure the museum got cleaned up from the Saturday event. I wanted to work on ordering more items for a big party I plan to throw in April (Beards, Bourbon, & Bacon) and yet.. I really need to be laying down and healing.<br />
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But I can't. I have a party to throw for you.<br />
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But the question is... do you support what I do?<br />
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I had someone come look at the house for a wedding, and was quickly informed that they did not want (for their reputation,) to be associated with the Civil War. I quickly explained what our house was about... and knowing I am offering this person the lowest rate in town for a wedding, and for them to still sort of wonder...<br />
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It's exhausting.<br />
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If you say you want a good life for your family and you don't take advantage of what community groups are doing for you - then shame on you. People like me are busting our bottoms to make sure your quality of life is extraordinary. We give everything we have to only have you come up and ask for free tickets or for us to donate something, or to maybe even come to YOUR EVENT. When did you reciprocate the favor?<br />
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Next time you pick and choose events to attend, remember, there is a real life human being behind that computer skin who is trying to make your life better. Will you show your appreciation by participating?<br />
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Yes, I get to go to a lot of parties and mingle with more important people than the average person knows, but I work a lot of hours. These parties <i>are</i> work. The conversations, the grinning and bearing it when you hear something offensive, the begging for money or collaboration.. it's all there for you to see and take advantage of.<br />
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I suppose my hope is, each of you will one day take the time and actually support a few events. Show up to a few activities, and keep living your fantastic life.<br />
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<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-55056785602483918712016-02-23T20:31:00.002-05:002016-02-23T20:40:55.252-05:00HEAL ThyselfIt started with a little drainage, and turned into bronchitis.<br />
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Aint nobody got time for that. That damned bronchitis tried to ruin my Valentine's Day and Birthday weekend at the beach. Luckily, one of my board members was able to arm me with the good stuff.<br />
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Thank goodness, it's over. But now I have this terrible toothache.<br />
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Unfortunately, I don't have dental insurance.. sooo.. it's clove oil and motrin.<br />
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But enough with my problems. Let's take a look at the special weekend.<br />
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Okay, okay, enough with the questions, friends! No, I did not get engaged. Let's move on...<br />
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Friday night we piled into the car about 6:30 and headed Southwest for Mexico Beach. I drove the 2 hours to the farm, then we drove another 3.5 hours to Florida. Around 7ish, we decided to stop for dinner in Alabama, and I am so glad we did! We stumbled into this awesome little Mexican restaurant.<br />
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I enjoyed a chili rellano and SG got the Texas fajitas. It was a wonderful meal! The service was excellent, the place cute on the inside. We both decided that this would be a must stop by when we are traveling. </div>
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By the time we got to the beach, it was around 11pm est. We basically crawled into bed for a nice long night's sleep. The next morning, we got up and headed over to a local dive in Mexico Beach called The Fish House. Always a great place to go for breakfast!</div>
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He opted for a heavy meat omelet, and I went for cheese eggs and a side of fruit. It was one of those perfect, relaxing breakfasts where we held hands and laughed. Great conversation with the man you love is the perfect way to start a trip. After breakfast, we headed over to the Dollar General market and did a little grocery shopping, followed by another stop at a Piggly Wiggly in Port St. Joe. My gift to him was to cook paleo meals the entire weekend (outside of our going out to eat.) I did my research a week before and was armed with my grocery list! </div>
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We even stopped by a little arts & crafts/farmer's market across from the Old Governor. I bought a hand quilted cap, strawberries and zucchini.</div>
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We headed back to the house for a nap, and I later, I cooked a delicious lunch. It was a watermelon, strawberry, caprese salad with balsamic vinegar. Delish. </div>
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We took yet another nap. (I told you I was loaded up on meds,) and little did I know, while I was resting, SG had made dinner reservations for our Valentine's dinner. We got dressed up and headed over to Apalachicola. We stopped in a great little coffee shop called the Apalachicola Coffee Company for cappuccinos. </div>
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After the coffees, we drove over to <a href="http://www.antoniosonthebay.com/" target="_blank">Antonio's on the Bay</a>. A lovely Italian Restaurant. I would HIGHLY recommend this place. The view from the restaurant was beautiful!</div>
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We started with: Antipasto Italiano. The restaurant describes it as: </div>
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<i>Antipasto means "before the meal" and is the traditional first course of a formal Italian meal. Our traditional antipasto includes cured meats such as prosciutto, salami and soppressata, then anchovies, roasted peppers, olives, artichoke hearts, fresh mozzarella. 12.45 </i></div>
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Of course, we enjoyed our drinks. He had a dirty martini, followed by a glass of Riesling, I had a Bellini. Next came about TWO baskets of bread with the oil & vinegar.</div>
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Followed by our entree's. I had the Melanzane alla Parmigiana:<i> The dish is claimed by both Campania and Sicily. Melanzane alla Parmigiana (or eggplant parmesan) is a very famous Southern Italian classic dish. Made with layers of eggplant, tomato sauce and grated parmesan cheese, then baked. Served with a side of pasta. 19.45 </i></div>
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While he had the Penne all ‘Antonio: <i>Penne is a type of pasta with cylinder-shaped pieces. Penne is the plural form of the Italian penna, deriving from Latin penna (meaning "feather" or "quill"), and is a cognate of the English word pen. Chef Antonio’s best pasta creation, Penne Pasta sautéed in a light pink, cognac sauce with scallops and shrimp. 19.95</i></div>
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And in classic style, we ended up swapping meals. lol </div>
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Following our entree, we went for the dessert. I had the Tiramisu: <i>Layers of espresso drenched lady fingers separated by mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa powder. 7.95</i></div>
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While he went for the Bavarese al Cioccolato: <i>Bavarese Chocolate is soft, tasty, and fragrant…I love it! To simply say that it’s good is really an understatement.</i></div>
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I hardly remember driving home. I was basically in carb coma. Talk about the perfect Valentine's gift! We had been going so low carb for months now, it was just too much. You know how romantic it was? We got home about 9:30, I walked into the bedroom, put on my pjs and went to sleep. Oh yeah. Good times. </div>
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The next morning, I awoke, definitely fatter, and made a beeline for the kitchen. I made a high protein, healthier breakfast casserole. It was spicy havarti, sausage, eggs, and cilantro. We loved it!</div>
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Afterwards, we wanted to take Gypsy to the beach, so we packed up the chairs and headed that way. Just one block from the house and I noticed a coffee shop! I HAD to stop. </div>
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We grabbed out lattes and headed down to the Gulf. </div>
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After Gypsy's nice long walk, and me trying to catch up on my magazine reading, we headed back to the house, where I whipped up the next paleo lunch!</div>
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This time - cilantro, cucumbers, red onions, lime juice, sea salt, and olive oil! YUM!</div>
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Followed by:</div>
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Paprika chicken in a Butter, garlic, white wine and thyme sauce with a side of spinach. </div>
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We were in paleo heaven! lol</div>
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Which caused us to nap and for me to develop the world's worst headache.</div>
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It was so bad, I thought I had meningitis again. Seriously.</div>
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Valentine's was a good one. Plus, he got me a book I was dying to read:</div>
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We got up the next morning and headed back to Georgia. </div>
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That Monday, we sort of laid low and relaxed. On Tuesday, we had my birthday dinner and I got a Samsung Fit Gear from him, a nice wooden laptop desk from his mom, and a $25 gift card from his sister. </div>
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This past weekend we worked on his house - he's trying to decide whether to sell or to keep.<br />
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Decisions, decisions. </div>
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So with that folks, I turned 43. </div>
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Nothing special. I was sick. Ugh.</div>
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Oh yeah.. and I started a commercial website. Oh yeah I did. Know all of the inside scoop you get? Well.. with all that I do, I've decided to turn it into something else. Please consider following that blog:</div>
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http://nicolesdestinationunknown.com</div>
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It's fairly self explanatory.</div>
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Until next time. </div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-28498677410732701682016-02-18T18:31:00.002-05:002016-02-18T18:57:20.450-05:00Need to Get Out of My Own Head<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I work daily at trying to keep my inner curmudgeon at bay. I realize that I have a natural <span style="background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">propensity to being dry, sarcastic, and sometimes a little <i>too </i>much of a realist. I get it. It's been brought to my attention and I work hard at not being that person.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">With that being said, today was a true test of my faith and character. Let's start at the beginning, shall we?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">A few weeks ago, my sister was undergoing some tests for breast cancer. They found a mass in one breast and several nodules in the other, along with a host of other symptoms, and honestly the outcome was not looking good, so that whole thing was laying underneath the surface of my every day. The what ifs were racing through my brain, and finally, last night, I came to some peace about most of it. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Just last week, I got really, <i>really </i>sick. It started with vomiting and diarrhea (gorgeous thought, right?) Followed by a burning, hacking cough that made me feel like I was suffocating. I was stressed out about it because I had a pending birthday trip and I am one of the millions without health insurance. Luckily, one of my board members gave me an array of strong drugs and within about a week, it wiped it out. BUT, my birthday/Valentine's trip was sort of a bust because, honestly, I did not feel well. I was a bit of a negative nelly about the whole thing, just overly bummed out over not feeling well. I slept a ton and just lay around feeling like absolute shit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">I was feeling sort of morose over my transitional lifestyle, age, this and that, and the unknown future. I sent SG a text saying I was really in a dark place and needed a healthy dose of positivity. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">After a good night's sleep, I awoke to another day - but this time, I felt tons better and was genuinely in a good mood. I got my car out of the shop (the bumper was replaced after my sister crashed into it.) I got to interview, in person, Matt Catingub, who happens to be: the </span><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">Artistic Director and Conductor of the Glendale Pops in Los Angeles, California, the</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">Artistic Director and founder of the Hawaii Pops in Honolulu, Hawaii, the </span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">Artistic Director and founder of the Macon Pops in Macon, Georgia, the </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">Festival Pops Conductor of the New Hampshire Music Festival, the </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">Past Pops Conductor for the Honolulu Symphony, the Hawaii Symphony, and the New Mexico Symphony. Pretty impressive, right? THEN I got to interview Steve Moretti. He is a </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">Multi Grammy®-nominated and two-time Telly Award winning drummer and percussionist, plus he can also be seen and heard, playing live in the Clint Eastwood film, “Jersey Boys!” He toured with Matt and the legendary Rosemary Clooney for six years and recorded two Grammy®-nominated CDs with them on Concord Records: Sentimental Journey and The Last Concert. He has appeared on the Today Show, The View, the Rosie O’Donnell Show and Christmas Special, an NBC special, An Evening with Scott Hamilton and Friends, A&E, PBS, and Oregon ArtBeat. They sat in my office and joked around about all of the fun they have had traveling all over the world. This is the 4th story I have worked on them for. As I sat across from them, I thought to myself, I'm doing it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">Do I realize it?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">I'm doing it. I've had the chance to interview folks who did big things on a big level. I have told their story. I have a bit of friendship with some of these folks. I need to appreciate this and realize that I set out to do what I planned to do. I am successfully freelancing. It's all good. So that picked my spirits up. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">Then after a brief conversation with my coworkers, we realized that one of them had never visited my church, St. Joseph's in Macon. It's absolutely beautiful. An amazing cathedral. I know, I know.. we all think our churches are beautiful.. but.. </span></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Exactly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">It's incredible </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">So we decided to pop in, and lo and behold, we walked right in at the tail end of an organ concert. Not only did I get to show off the church, my co worker, who happens to be a pianist, got the chance to hear our organ. It was magical. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;"> Again - another reminder that God was there. I went over to the candles and lit one for my sister, hoping we would receive good news today.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">After church, we headed over to Molly's cafe and had a delightful lunch. It had been a while since I ate there, and it was nice when the waitress remembered me. Sort of made me feel appreciated and its the little things like that.. that make the difference. Little did she know that I was having a hard time feeling positive lately, but she made me feel valued. Little. Tiny. Things.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">I made it back to work and right before it was time to go, I thought I would call a few businesses down on Cotton Avenue for a story I am working on about the history of the street. I decided to give one book store a call, because I had remembered the wife of the store owner mentioning one day how much he wanted some promotion. So I called him. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">.....</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">He was rude. Basically implying he did not have time for me or the story. Now.. I've been in the store. It's mostly empty. I'm pretty sure he had a minute to answer two questions and I KNOW he needs the exposure. He basically was rude and blew me off. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Now.. this is just a thing right? But remember the weeks I've been having, and I was genuinely coming to him in good faith, trying to include his little shop into something special about the tiny avenue he works on. But in turn, I got slapped in the face. For what? Who knows. I was reminded in that moment of that Buddhist saying and it goes something (loosely) like this: When someone lashes out at you, don't take it personally. It is a signal of the inner wars they are battling and they are spilling out onto you.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Yeah.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">Or the guy is an asshole and made a girl who was already having a shitty new year into an even worse year.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">Thanks, dude. I will NEVER patron your business. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">Moving on... </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">I interview other folks and drove home. So my good feeling went from up to down to.. I stopped at a restaurant for a to-go order and the waitress complimented my shirt. Again.. simple little thing, but it made me feel good. And once again, order was restored to my world.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">And yes.. my sister's results came in. She is cancer free. There is a mass and it was very suspicious, and honestly, we were all expecting the worst, but it turned out okay. What a huge burden removed! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">But I got back into my own head again. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 21px;"><strike>I was reading the nominees for the 11th Hour awards, and man oh man.. I wanted the Cannonball House and Beards, Bourbon, & Bacon to be nominated. I fought for years to get the Tubman on there, and finally it was. But man.. my little place was not. </strike></span></span></span><br />
<strike><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Boo. </span></span></span></span></strike><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">I work my ass off to make the places I am at shine and be the best, and I think people enjoy them, but man.. sometimes I feel ridiculously under appreciated. Why do I even try? Then I realized, I need to get out of my own head. I'm fabulous, damn it. Seriously. I'm not bragging, it just is what it is. I have a kick ass job, and I'm running that business like a boss. (Well.. I am a boss.) We've made HUGE strides. I'm doing my thing, I have great friends, let go of the dead weight, am getting healthier each year, and I know, without a doubt, I am doing it well. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">I always bloom where I am planted. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">Perhaps it's time to change the soil? </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">For now, I'll change the direction I am standing. I need to be in the sun, with other wildly vibrant flowers, not sitting among the row of basic flowers, doing the same old thing, in the same old fishbowl. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">It's time to embrace me and celebrate me and get out of my own damn head. I'm a problem solver, now I need to go solve some of my own problems.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">Signed,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">A perfectionist</span></span></span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-45871487768632252592016-02-10T13:41:00.001-05:002016-02-10T13:45:22.543-05:00Birthday Week - It's a-coming. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well, here we are. One week until my birthday. I have to tell you, I have zero expectations and zero emotional pull to this next one. I'll be 43. No big deal. Still in my early 40s, still feeling fairly young on the inside, not looking too old on the outside. It's just another day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But because I like to mark every occasion, I actually do have <i>some </i>plans. SG is taking me down to his beach house for the weekend. We'll leave Friday night, drive down to Mexico Beach, and stay through Monday. I like the distraction. If there is a beach, that makes it double awesome.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Good things are happening for my SG. His crazy ex signed the papers for him to claim his house back. She's out and left a terrible, nasty mess for him to clean up. Not to mention, she spray painted a skull on the front door. What a nut job! So glad for him to be done with that chapter of his life. Now he is trying to decide whether or not to sell or live in it until the girls graduate from high school (which is in 5 years.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What does that mean for us? Oh who knows. We are still doing the long distance thing, knowing we wish we could live closer, but what we are doing now works for us. I have a career, he has his, I have my life and family, he has his... it is all very interesting. Someone has to compromise eventually. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Life has been trudging along this year. I'm sick for the first time in 10 months, like really, <i>really </i>sick. Terrible upper respiratory infection, and unfortunately, I don't have health insurance. My job doesn't provide it, and quite honestly, I'm incredibly disappointed in the Affordable Healthcare Act's options. Sooo.. I would rather just pay the fine and take my chances. I know, it's playing roulette with my health, but sometimes you have to gamble a little. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Luckily, a friend of mine is a (is it Nurse Practitioner or Physician's Assistant?) and she is qualified to write scripts. Basically, just one step down from a doc. She offered to bring me a Z pack sample and some prednisone. Hopefully she won't forget! lol</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Work is going well. We received a GIANT blessing in the form of a large contribution. Praise God for some miracles! People, if you want a tax break, remember your local nonprofits. We run on a tiny budget and any donation, no matter how big or small, makes a HUGE impact. My museum is no exception.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My sister has her biopsy scheduled for the 16th of February. None of us can figure out why she had to wait so long, but apparently, that's the earliest they can move on this. Still waiting. Still waiting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My dad just turned 70 years old yesterday! I'm thrilled for him, really. I don't know what it is about men, but for some reason, if their father dies at a certain age, they get it in their head that they will die at that age. Well, he outlived his dad, and he even said, he could not believe it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Which brings me back to my birthday. I'm turning 43. The only plans and goals I have for this year is to really bring some prosperity to the Cannonball House, perhaps finally snag an engagement from that awesome guy of mine, and keep on track with my healthier lifestyle changes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What type of goals do you have planned for this year? </span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-82626672733537412062016-02-08T12:14:00.001-05:002016-02-08T12:14:27.934-05:00Ain't Nobody Got Time For ThatI'm sick.<br />
<br />
Like... sick, sick.<br />
<br />
Friday night it was the gastrointestinal thing. I won't go into great details, but no orifice went unused.<br />
Saturday - Couldn't breathe. Wheezing.. hacking cough.. runny nose.<br />
<br />
Dear Lord In Heaven..<br />
<br />
Ain't nobody got time for that.<br />
<br />
Yeah.<br />
<br />
Ugh.<br />
<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-85643959098674001122016-02-03T19:58:00.002-05:002016-02-03T19:58:26.609-05:00Peanut Butter & GleeI'm sitting here, wrapped in a blanket, propped up on some pillows watching Glee and eating natural peanut butter out of the jar with a plastic spoon.<br />
<br />
Sometimes...<br />
<br />
If you want to know what real life is like? Here ya go.<br />
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One day I'm busy doing some (I can honestly say this,) some super cool things, others days I'm scratching the bottom of the peanut butter jar.<br />
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But I'm alive.<br />
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If you read my blog post before this one, you know I've got some interesting stuff going on at home. My sister found a lump. Okay, that's common, right? There were other symptoms.<br />
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So she goes to the doc. Has a mammogram, only to be called back for a special mammogram and ultrasound. They found a mass in one breast, and a nodule in the other. Biopsy ordered... etc. etc.<br />
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I don't think I need to go any further.<br />
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I can only imagine her fear. Hell, I've been there- just not <i>there. </i>I was clear and free past the ultrasound. (Can't say the same for my other issues, but when it came to the breasts, I was clear.)<br />
She, my dear friends, does not seem to be in the clear.<br />
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So we wait. We test. We wait. Now it's time to expect the "next steps" conversation.<br />
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This too shall pass.<br />
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Just last night I was enjoying a fantastic party to celebrate one of the magazines I write for's 30th anniversary party. It was really quite lovely and awesome to run into so many people that I adore. My hometown is pretty special like that.<br />
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But tonight... tonight it is Glee. And Peanut Butter.<br />
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Prayer warriors - I need you to warrior up, okay?<br />
<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-25079195587111704122016-02-01T16:13:00.004-05:002016-02-01T16:13:44.206-05:00Cancer Can Suck ItThere is a mix of fear and relief happening right now.<br />
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I got home from my weekend trip, went to work, did my thing and headed home. But then I noticed an odd couple of FB posts from my sister.<br />
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Last night it read:<br />
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<i>347 days to go. #LessonLearned: It is only human to have a moment of fear. It is what you do after the initial moment that counts in life.</i><br />
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OK.. she is doing this "Lessons Learned" thing for her 39th year of life. Then today I read:<br />
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<i>I never do this- but asking everyone for prayers/ healing thoughts for me today. Trying to stay positive right now.</i><br />
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That one caught my eye.<br />
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I called her.<br />
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Turns out there are some potential health issues. Not just a lump, but other symptoms.<br />
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It doesn't sound good.<br />
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But we wait. She is having tests ran now.<br />
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Here's the thing - I've been there. But my situation was different. This... the symptoms..<br />
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I just don't know. Relief comes from a selfish place - Thank God it's not me this time.<br />
Fear comes from a place of empathy - What if?<br />
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We wait. We wait.<br />
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If you are the praying kind, please pray for her.<br />
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Or send happy, positive thoughts.<br />
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I'm a lot stronger than she is when it comes to coping, living, fighting...<br />
She is always the nurturer.<br />
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As the older sibling, I worry. I want to protect her, but remain positive.<br />
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Here's hoping for the best. Prayer warriors - get to it now, and tell Cancer to suck it.<br />
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Then again... it could all be okay.<br />
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Until next time.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-7075135369539690782016-01-31T16:50:00.000-05:002016-01-31T16:52:08.917-05:00I Need A Costume ChangeI spend most of my weekends in the middle of the woods. No, this is not a vacation home or a rental, this is my SG's home. He lives in the cabin, in the middle of the woods, on a pond. The property is hundreds of acres of farmland, which used to be a working farm, is now a timber farm and hunting reserve. He leases his land to hunters to offset the property taxes. There is a main house, his sister's house and the cabin.<br />
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It is truly a magical place. I feel completely blown away by the beauty of this property. One pond, one lake (which he calls a pond - I call a lake, it's huge) and tons of riding trails which we use with the 4-wheeler to run the dogs.<br />
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Today, I asked SG to take the 4 wheeler out for the running of his Border Collie, Gypsy. The weather is incredible right now, and I wanted to feel the wind in my hair.<br />
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Due to the incredible amount of rain we have received over the past weeks, we ended up basically crunching through a few downed trees. Big bump here, duck under a branch there, and I got the wild idea to walk down to the big lake. Of course, he says, let's drive the 4 wheeler down. I thought it was a fine idea until I saw how far down a hill he would have to drive it. I freaked out. I asked him could we just park it and walk. He says of course, lets me off, then proceeds to drive it down there. So here I am in my $150+ gym sneakers and some cottony yoga pants and a long sleeve tshirt attempting to forge through the forest. I try stepping over stumps, ducking under branches, only to end up stuck in the middle of a bunch of thorns. But note - I took the same trail he did... but the difference is, he plowed right through this stuff.<br />
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We make it down there and lo and behold, we have to go back up. At this point, I am brushing woodland spiders and random beetles (which I could swear were those kissing-death- beetles) and trying hard to hang onto the back of the 4-wheeler. We are on such an incline, that I freak out, jump off and tear through the forest trying to make sure no other critters attack me.<br />
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SG is laughing and charging up the hill, stopping to pick me up, then slams through the bush. I'm squealing like a little kid frightened by a clown, and we finally make it up the hill and back on the nature trail. I'm looking at my clothes at this point, covered in thorny things, my hair with leaves, and a few small spiders crawling on my arm. My shoes are wet... and all I could think was, "Damn. I need to buy a whole new outfit to be out here."<br />
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I see girls wearing those duck boots, trying to look cute in the mall. You know the ones, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8LmQV9lIqzcLHFFfb-PnTkHIEiJKyLRk4qNkbp_tMU06t3XcB5vZOJku7o_b1Oy8MvjNEulEUNQXOycYpk10jBrY6R7OddKf-kfGabhyphenhyphenSR92z84pThll_4rUoYuvcIhShyphenhyphenDxW8VaKzyZ/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8LmQV9lIqzcLHFFfb-PnTkHIEiJKyLRk4qNkbp_tMU06t3XcB5vZOJku7o_b1Oy8MvjNEulEUNQXOycYpk10jBrY6R7OddKf-kfGabhyphenhyphenSR92z84pThll_4rUoYuvcIhShyphenhyphenDxW8VaKzyZ/s1600/download.jpg" /></a></div>
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These little guys run about $119 dollars on the LL Bean website and have a waiting list around Christmas for almost 6 months. For fashion.<br />
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I need them to survive out here.<br />
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Then there is the whole flannel thing. I thought it was just for show to. (Don't laugh.) I seriously need it out here. It's cold, it's tough material, and well..<br />
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Goodness... I need a costume change.<br />
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Which sort of makes me laugh. The girl who wanted nothing more than stilettos and sky scrapers has found absolute happiness in the middle of nowhere special.<br />
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This is going to be an interesting transition.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-64537077672719251982016-01-29T13:46:00.000-05:002016-01-29T13:46:03.337-05:00Busiest Week of 2016I think it is safe to come out of hiding and write now.<br />
Holy moly - was it a busy week, and man oh man, was I a moody chick!<br />
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But it is Friday and I am doing <i>much </i>better now.<br />
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Let's recap, shall we?<br />
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Last weeked was DIVINE. Well.. busy, but there were elements of divine. For one, I took Friday off. I just needed a mental health day. I could tell I was exhausted and I started getting snippy with people. My roommate Lynn will be the first to tell you: If I'm tired, hungry, or inconvenienced, then run the other way. I was definitely tired.<br />
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Well, let me go back to earlier on Thursday.. No.. let's go back to last Wednesday. The day started off fairly well, though I was busy and knew it would be a long one, I woke up in a fairly decent mood. Had a board meeting that night with one of the organizations I serve, and did not get out to my parent's house until around 7ish. While there, my sister decided (well.. she didn't decide.. she messed up) and backed into my car. Yep. Need to have it fixed. I head home in the rain, with my family up in arms about the car insurance being in my father's name. (Not mine, my sister's...) Anyway.. that's never fun.<br />
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Then I went home to pack for my trip. But not before I made my way to the local CVB's Annual Meeting. Long.. no real mention of any of the attractions.. blah .. blah... then I went back to finish up work, to FINALLY leaving for the farm.<br />
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I got there, checked on SG's mom and then proceeded to snuggle myself in at the cabin. He and the girls arrive sometime after 6, and we all relax and chat. I fall asleep close to 9pm. I never do that. That just proves how tired I was.<br />
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On Friday, I did absolutely NOTHING. I watched tv, I read, I surfed the internet, basically nothing. It was a wonderful. I was content to just breathe. I needed it. I can't even begin to explain to you how healing it is to wake up in the middle of the woods, brew some coffee, then snuggle up in a recliner with a blanket. No sounds.. no people... no worries.<br />
Heaven, my friends. Absolute, heaven.<br />
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I almost forgot - new pup added to the mix. Meet Scarlett. YES, she is a keeper. She is full grown, and part beagle and part... something else. She is a sweetie and we all adore her. She reminds me of my lap cat... lol<br />
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BTW - my cats are bigger than her. Seriously. </div>
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Saturday, SG's sister invited me to her house to meet her friends from the area. I was a little apprehensive at first, not knowing what to expect. This is a small town, in the middle of no where. But I am happy to report, I was surrounded by educated, well traveled, hilarious women! All married and most between their 30s and 40s. Good to know for the future. ;-)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know me.. never hard to make a friend. </td></tr>
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SG's sister is an artist and did one of those corks & canvases, sips n strokes type of parties. With cocktail in hand, we painted some beautiful trees. (BTW - she called it "Let's Get Hammered and Make Art."</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not bad for a first timer? </td></tr>
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I met several teachers, a nurse, and a physical therapist. Of course SG's sis's partner works for the CDC in Atlanta. (For real.. she works with ebola.) Wild yeah? Again, awesome folks.. we drank too much, we laughed just enough, and it was exactly what I needed. </div>
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Earlier that day, SG took me to Monroe's in Americus. I adore their scramble dog. Apparently it was an Americus tradition. We also dined at the 1800 with the girls. I grabbed up a nice margarita on Friday night. </div>
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Almost forgot, we ate some delicious gumbo at the painting party. Southerners know how to cook!</div>
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THEN.. this week. Oh bloody hell. </div>
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Busy, Busy, Busy. I show up at work - Phones are down, checks ordered don't have the correct account number, and .. and... the annual meeting was just around the corner. Not to mention, my dad had eye surgery.</div>
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But we did it. I made it through. </div>
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And here we are... it's Friday. I'm having lunch at work (General Tso's chicken) and wrapping up my week. </div>
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My bags are packed and I'm ready to roll. Another weekend to soothe the soul. I wish you all a fantastic weekend. </div>
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-26703398146566222642016-01-20T17:21:00.001-05:002016-01-20T17:21:46.598-05:00Not Everyone's Cup of Tea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've got 45 minutes to kill, so get ready for some dribble.<br />
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I got a kick out of this quiz I just took on Facebook. You know the ones, where they ask you some basic personality questions and then unscientifically announce what type of tree you would be, or where you should live, or who you would have been in a past life. These quizzes remind me so much of the Cosmo quizzes we all did in the 80s and 90s. (Wait.. perhaps people still do those. It's been decade since I wondered which <i>15 Positions Turn Him on</i> or <i>8 Steps To Better Skin</i>.)<br />
<br />
Anyway...<br />
<br />
I took one of the quizzes that dictate what kind of drink I would be. (Side note: I'm hyperactive with a dark sense of humor. I would say espresso.) However, this quiz was of the alcoholic nature. As it turns out, I was a Fine Glass of Wine. In the diagnosis, it said some complimentary things, then it had one sentence that struck that truth cord with me:<br />
<br />
"Not everyone loves you, but those who do swear that you're the coolest thing since sliced bread. "<br />
<br />
In one sentence, this quiz hit the nail on the head. It got to the very heart of who I am.<br />
I've always said there are two types of people in my life: Either you love me or you hate me.<br />
<br />
It's true! Lucky for me, I really don't care either way. (Which lends to the description, I'm sure.) I'm a take me or leave me kinda girl. As a friend I am extremely straight forward, which is <i>great </i>if you value honestly.... which I do. I expect and desire the same from my friends. And I can take... really I can.<br />
<br />
Every once in a while I encounter someone who has a different idea of friendship. Not that either way is right or wrong, it just is. They typically like the "build each other up" relationship. Which, btw, I am totally going to cheer you on, which I think gives this personality type a false sense of security with me. As if it will always be rainbows and unicorns, but it is not. If you do something foolish, I'm going to call you out. If I do something foolish, I do not desire or need you to enable me any further. I want my friends to hold up a mirror and say, "Hey, you are making a big mistake." I may not always agree, but give me a few to process.<br />
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This other type of person is expecting me to validate their existence. But I don't think it is my job. I believe a real friend is, well, for lack of a better word, real. Which means... I'm not always going to be your cup of tea.<br />
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Which goes back to why most of my friends are super independent, strong women. Usually very smart, very successful, well-traveled, well-versed, and they seek the same.<br />
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What are some of your (what could be considered) hard to take attributes?Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-77190890870567469522016-01-19T20:23:00.000-05:002016-01-19T20:23:06.559-05:00Kicking It Off Right!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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January has been one busy little beast of a month. So much happening, and to top it off, we are all drenched and freezing!<br />
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With that being said, I was sort of relaxing here, enjoying the endorphins from a kick ass workout, and realizing that yes, things do seem to be coming at me extra fast, but for the most part, I am checking them off the list.. one... by... one.<br />
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For instance, in this month alone (thus far,) I had 8 freelance writing articles due for two different publications. It's only the 19th. I'm getting stuff accomplished at the museum. Our Annual Meeting is Tuesday night, I joined a new board and had my training, and now I am getting ready to help promote Georgia Arts Day through the Georgia Arts Network (I'm on that board too!) Somehow, I have managed to maintain my long distance relationship, stay in touch with friends, AND make time for the gym. That's right - I did 5.8 miles on the bike today! Boom and done.<br />
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I don't call myself Wonder Woman for nuthin'.<br />
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Staying focused and getting everything in order for the year has been on my agenda. I would have written more, but I have been busy trying to pull off this thing called life, and it is taking my down time away. (Not to forget, I've gotten back to reading more than watching tv!)<br />
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What type of things have you been filling your January with?<br />
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<i><br /></i>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-19248216715267811942016-01-18T13:42:00.003-05:002016-01-18T13:42:55.653-05:00Feeling My Age and Other Oddities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My sister turned 39 last Tuesday. Mom turned 65 this morning. Dad turns 70 on the 9th, and I'll be 43 on the 16.<br />
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Our little tribe is aging. I say this as I sit at my desk, with my leg propped up, trying to relieve the pain I feel in my left knee. Still. Who knows at this point what I did, but I kinda/sorta feel like it <i>might </i>be getting better. I'm working on it. Kind of like everything else you have to do when you get older... try a little harder.<br />
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Heck, everything is a little harder than it used to be. Walking up stairs, bending forward, learning new technology - I think at some point we sort of fall just a little more behind those a bit younger than us. Each year, just a little bit more.. then a little more, until we have completely aged ourselves.<br />
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I'm by no means a one-foot-in-the-grave kind of girl, but I am finding myself working harder to slow life down.<br />
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I think as a kid we simply cannot wait to grow up! There is so much to look forward to! Now, the game has changed. All of those "things" I could not wait to happen, have passed, and now I have to come up with some new challenges, or I will become one of those "waiting on death" types.<br />
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As you probably know, I like to teach myself new skills each year. This year I'm going to learn canning. Seriously. I bought this massive book from Lowe's the other day. (Why was <span style="font-size: large;">I </span>in Lowe's? That's a whole other story.)<br />
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I bought the complete book of Home Preserving by Judi Kingry and Lauren Devine. It seems to have every single recipe, every single detail of the how-to, and even a whole glossary to pick up the terminology. I figure, if I have access to a farm, might as well figure out how to make the most of it. For one, I would think that I could save money, as well as control what I put in my mouth and how much preservatives are entering my system. And finally, it will be a great hobby to learn and teach SG's girls and my niece.<br />
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Or maybe it will be a bust.<br />
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There really is no telling on whether or not I will follow through on this. But.. I'm thinking I just might give it a go.<br />
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I've done the research. Now it's time to study and give it a whirl.<br />
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What new thing do you hope to try this year?Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-25703997136178010372016-01-15T12:51:00.000-05:002016-01-15T12:51:11.382-05:00Oscar and I Go Way Back. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been totally relating to old Oscar here. This entire week, I have wanted to slap the stupid right off of people's faces.<br />
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That's not a very nice thing to say is it?<br />
Luckily for the people who have to endure me from time to time, the fog of anger is lifting. I'm simply grumpy. I'm tired. I'm a little stressed, and I am not sure about what.<br />
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We could just chalk it up to hormones.<br />
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I get Oscar's existential pain. We are blood bros. Or sisters.. or whatever.<br />
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To sound incredibly cliche, THANK GOD IT IS FRIDAY.<br />
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This week drug on and on and on... and I have been super busy. Got a lot coming up, and I like to be ahead of the game. I tend to hurry, hurry up.. then coasting into the finish line.<br />
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I'm all packed up and heading down to my SG's cabin tonight. Looking forward to a very relaxing weekend.<br />
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Apologies for the lack of posts. I'm just soooooo ornery. I saw no point in spreading my dribble.<br />
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I'll be back, and this time, I will be refreshed.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-74159539424499075152016-01-11T09:34:00.002-05:002016-01-11T09:42:56.018-05:00Are You Ready To Let Go?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been reading a lot of "self improvement" books recently. Honestly, I seem to always read self improvement books. Ever since I was 12 years old. I think my first one was "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. Honestly, that was the beginning of my personality transformation.<br />
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At 12.<br />
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For whatever reason, I have always been very curious and I am a bit of a problem solver. I had a problem, and I researched the ways to solve it. Cause and effect. Supply and demand. I was all over it.<br />
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I figured it out and it has served me well all of these years. I'm good at winning people over.<br />
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But like a fisherman, when you cast your net out there, you tend to pick up some bad fish, dead weight, fish full of mercury.<br />
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I'm a bit sentimental when it comes to experiences and memories. I like to hold on to them, regurgitate them back up and chew on them like a cow chewing cud. Nothing is more satisfying than recounting an old memory with a friend, regardless of how toxic the situation was. It's this invisible connection with another human being. You share a laugh, you nod in agreement, it suddenly becomes this secret, invisible bond between two people. It's addictive.<br />
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Sometimes I hold onto that feeling, and those people, too long. I am the queen of not losing touch with people. I have successfully reconnected or at least Facebook stalked anyone who ever made a significant impact in my life through the years. Well, except for one person. My arch nemesis in elementary school: Angela Bloodworth.<br />
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If you know her, I don't think I want to know how she turned out. I like having that one hole in my repertoire of memories and results. I'd like to think that her life turned out really gross and that she is toothless and hooked on meth.<br />
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I know.. I have such a black heart.<br />
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Then there are the other relationships. The friendships that have sort of run their course. Maybe you have different interests now, or maybe they don't have time for you, or maybe they don't (heaven forbid) like you anymore. But you hold on.<br />
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I was chatting with SG about something an old friend said recently. Now, if you are an old friend, don't assume I am talking about you. I have A LOT of old friends. Remember, I don't throw anyone away.<br />
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I was explaining a memory to him. Then, the way I always end my stories with him I ask the following question, "What do you think?"<br />
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He turns around to me and says, "I'm still not sure where this person stands with you. Are you friends or not? I thought you were done with them."<br />
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I was taken a back. He threw up my hypocrisy right to my face. I <i>was </i>holding on, but why?<br />
Then it hit me- just as plain as anything - I had put them into a box, only to pull out twice a year. You know the friends... right? We all have them. You were super close or sort of close for a while, then the season drifted, and though you reach out from time to time, no real connection has reformed. But about twice a year, you pull the box out, look at the friendship, maybe even meet for lunch, all hopeful that you will re spark or rekindle the friendship, only to place it back in the closet, right next to the sequined shoes and size 5 dress you just <i>know </i>you will be able to wear again one day.<br />
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Yep.<br />
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I'm at a quandary. (Did I use that word right?) Or perhaps.... It's a quandary.<br />
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When am I going to be able to just <i>LET THAT SHIT GO? </i><br />
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Today's meditation said:<br />
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<i>Is there something you are holding onto that has outworn its purpose? Now is the time to let go. </i><br />
<i>Gently let it go. be free to step into your future of joy. </i><br />
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*sigh*<br />
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But what if I am not ready?Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-4718106715154770532016-01-07T13:29:00.000-05:002016-01-07T13:29:07.031-05:00Confession Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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That's me. About 5 minutes ago. Not overly made up, very little makeup. I only took a blow dryer to my hair this morning. My Wonder Woman sunglasses are acting as a hair band. But I'm at work, juggling multiple projects, and actually taking 10 minutes to pound out a blog post.<br />
<br />
I decided it is confession time. Seriously, time to just come clean with all of the things you may not realize about me.<br />
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I thought I would pull a few from various websites and pour my little heart out.<br />
I really want to answer some tough questions, not just the "What did you want to be as a child?"<br />
Maybe I'll learn something about myself. And maybe.. I can kill just a little bit of time before my next appointment! Let's do it!<br />
<br />
1. What are the things that stand between you and complete happiness?<br />
Myself. I am my own worst enemy. I put things off. I procrastinate. I come up with excuses. I'm lazy as hell. Seriously - Myself.<br />
<br />
2. What will people say at your funeral?<br />
I would like to think that people will share how amazing I am, but honestly, I don't know if I have that many fans. lol<br />
I don't get a lot of feedback while I am alive, nor do I ever feel appreciated for the contributions I make now, sooo.. I am really at a lost here.<br />
No, I'm not being coy or fishing for compliments. I mean what I say.<br />
<br />
3. Standing at the gates of heaven, and God asks you “Why should I let you in?” What do you reply?<br />
Because at the end of the day, I really do care. I truly try to see things from other people's perspective, and I honestly do not want to hurt anyone. That's got to count for something, right?<br />
<br />
4. If you lost everything tomorrow, whose arms would you run into to make everything ok?<br />
My S.G. He loves me.<br />
<br />
5. Does this person know how much they mean to you? When was the last time you told them? Absolutely. There is no doubt our admiration for one another runs very deep.<br />
<br />
6. If you could send a message to the entire world, what would you say in 30 seconds?<br />
Stop thinking only of yourself. Stop making decisions based on what's best for you. Try for once to see the big picture and become more self aware. Show compassion and treat people the way you want to be treated. Don't judge based on race, religion, geography, economics, etc. See the person for who they are, and help make their world a little bit easier. Pay it forward.<br />
Try harder. Be a better friend. Stop doing it for the glory. And realize, you are not as important you think you are? You ask why me? I ask, why do you think you are so special?<br />
<br />
7. If you received enough money to never need to work again, what would you spend your time doing?<br />
Traveling, writing, taking pictures, volunteering.<br />
<br />
8. If today was the last day of your life, what would you want to do? I would want to spend it with my SG, family and closest friends. Speaking to each one individually. Eating good food, drinking good drink.<br />
<br />
9. What would you change about your life if you knew you would never die? I would not be afraid to try anything.<br />
<br />
10. If your entire life was a movie, what title would best fit?<br />
Destination Unknown<br />
<br />
11. How would you describe yourself in 5 words?<br />
Curious. Passionate. Witty. Energetic. Intuitive.<br />
<br />
12. What would you do differently if you knew that no one was judging you?<br />
Use more profanity openly. I have the mouth of a sailor. lol<br />
<br />
13. If you could watch everything that happened in your life until now, would you enjoy it?<br />
Probably. If nothing else, I've lived an interesting life.<br />
<br />
14. If you could start over, what would you do differently?<br />
I would have been smarter financially. I would have eaten better and exercised more.<br />
<br />
15. When you’re 90 years old, what will matter most to you in the world?<br />
Whether or not I truly lived fully, every single day.<br />
<br />
16. Are you holding onto something that you need to let go of? What’s stopping you?<br />
Old relationships and friendships that have run their course.<br />
Why? I don't know. Maybe it's the romantic in me.<br />
<br />
17. Would you break the law to save a loved one? Perhaps. Or maybe not. It depends on so many factors. Not a fan of breaking rules.<br />
<br />
18. Do you ask enough questions, or are you happily settling for what you know already?<br />
I am one big question.<br />
<br />
19. How do you celebrate the things you do have in your life?<br />
I am a big believer in celebrating the tiniest of victories. Granted, it may be for a party of one, but I believe in taking a moment and being grateful.<br />
<br />
20. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you have done?<br />
Absolutely not. I try to do as much as I am capable of and can afford. I like my life. A lot. I like the woman I have become. I can't wait to see how it all ends! (Well.. I can wait.. but.. you get what I am trying to say.)<br />
<br />
<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-90799030188448870612016-01-06T12:43:00.000-05:002016-01-06T13:09:42.025-05:00Bone Crushing or Bone Chilling?I'm cold. Like really, <i>really </i>cold.<br />
<br />
But wait... we need the daily meditation.<br />
<br />
<i>Just enough guidance to let you know you are never alone. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Okay. God is with me as I try to stay warm.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I shouldn't complain. There are thousands of people out there sleeping under bridges, on the stoops of buildings, and in tent cities. But because I live in a house without central heat, I feel like I have a right to complain.<br />
<br />
But I'm soooo cold.<br />
<br />
Which leads to another problem - My joints. I'm also extremely achy, a new side effect of being in your 40s. First comes wisdom, second comes joint pain. And what is up with this knee pain I have? Ouch to the 10th degree.<br />
<br />
I made the mistake of twisting my leg while wearing two inch booted heels on Thanksgiving. My knee has yet to recover. Honestly, I was not doing a whole lot to help it. My latest hopeful fix consists of buying this:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2k4xBe5P6HmC0lFRMI4uC2xgK_BZ6n1_kUHtUcsZWChnjwC4WXM6zm1irIZSR_6S0LbvqEFO1QbKsy88reTKDZW7i2dJaJASgLgROl_AXn4CZ2MyUn7tnCdIaezs-8cnQPQkQOYuxIVfR/s1600/b177e6a3a9025d948852466d9c3fdd9d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2k4xBe5P6HmC0lFRMI4uC2xgK_BZ6n1_kUHtUcsZWChnjwC4WXM6zm1irIZSR_6S0LbvqEFO1QbKsy88reTKDZW7i2dJaJASgLgROl_AXn4CZ2MyUn7tnCdIaezs-8cnQPQkQOYuxIVfR/s1600/b177e6a3a9025d948852466d9c3fdd9d.jpg" /></a></div>
Glucosamine Chondroitin.<br />
Yes, I'm trying everything. I keep it elevated while sitting (if I can,) I'm wearing a compression sleeve during the day, I take Motrin from time to time, I have yet to give up my heels, but rest assure, I ordered new shoes and they are about to arrive, and I rub Tiger Balm on it.<br />
<br />
I'm not icing it like many have suggested. For two reasons - One, there is zero swelling, and two- see my first complaint above.<br />
<br />
What do you do for achy bones? Stretched out tendons & ligaments? Would love to hear from you!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-20648262271579878762016-01-05T13:25:00.000-05:002016-01-05T13:27:22.391-05:00Buzzing Like A Bee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWCw1fHugfLiKBqcWw_NugAY-b2enJk_v9NhElHZkbn1EwptB5RwSmS6EtlfC_iT9Pju4Fe-dvIH0l7F8fq7OcSB8VrEePukfwg-W04QjXKmjroao03agH4JHdJjm8NAnTAbPipF8UIQH/s1600/8bab17e92dba0d41a88ca243345cce94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWCw1fHugfLiKBqcWw_NugAY-b2enJk_v9NhElHZkbn1EwptB5RwSmS6EtlfC_iT9Pju4Fe-dvIH0l7F8fq7OcSB8VrEePukfwg-W04QjXKmjroao03agH4JHdJjm8NAnTAbPipF8UIQH/s320/8bab17e92dba0d41a88ca243345cce94.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
<i>Relax. You're on a journey of discovery. Let life reveal itself to you.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I thought for fun, I would start each blog post with the meditation of the day.<br />
<br />
I sort of snorted with cynicism at today's post. Please understand, I don't always wake up inspired and enlightened. Honestly, I'm a curmudgeon at heart who is trying desperately to be a better person.<br />
<br />
Let life reveal itself.<br />
<br />
Yes....<br />
<br />
It is a journey.<br />
<br />
One that feels like I am catching multiple flights to get to my destination.<br />
And I'm only talking about today.<br />
<br />
I woke up at 7am. There is ZERO (did you read that clearly.. I said Z-E-R-O) central heat in my sister's home. I have the following:<br />
A rolling radiator heater. (Does basically nothing.)<br />
Flannel sheets.<br />
Electric blanket.<br />
<br />
That blanket basically keeps me from slipping into hypothermia each evening. I woke up and could see smoke coming from my mouth. Fed the cats, then proceeded to take a shower in the singlest coldest room in the house.<br />
<br />
Somehow I got myself ready and then approached the world.<br />
With caution.<br />
I tossed and turned last night, finally surrendering to at least 6 episodes of Sex in the City Season 2. (Not the best season.)<br />
<br />
Somehow.. I found myself in line at Starbucks. Which happens to be in a grocery store. Because I live about 30 miles from a Starbucks proper. (That is one that has a drive thru.)<br />
<br />
I went to pay for my $5.08 coffee (seriously,) when I realized I left my wallet in the car. I braved the freezing temps again (please note, I'd never make it up North,) then finally paid for my drink. Since I was in this store, I thought I would pop by the deli and check out their breakfast bar selection. As I am walking over there, I notice my red cup is dripping.. yes my dear friends, my over priced caffeine with sweetener was leaking out of my cup and dripping onto my mitten-ed hand.<br />
<br />
Instead of pouring my drink into another cup, they proceeded to just give me another red cup to layer it with. This is important to remember as we proceed through the story. BTW - It's only 12:45 right now. (As I type this.)<br />
<br />
I get to work and struggle to carry all of my shit into to the back door of the museum. I say shit, because that is what it felt like.<br />
<br />
Wait. I need to say my mantra again.<br />
<br />
<i>Relax. You're on a journey of discovery. Let life reveal itself to you.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Okaaaaay...<br />
<br />
I make it to the door, only to drop the following items at least 5 times as I head down the cobble stoned walk way:<br />
Medicine Bag<br />
Purse<br />
Keys<br />
Coffee (never fell.)<br />
Computer bag<br />
Breakfast in a sack.<br />
Container of soup.<br />
<br />
Yes, yes, yes. I see the problem. None of these things were contained.<br />
Anyway...<br />
<br />
I unlock the door to the museum and drop most of everything. Again.<br />
I unset the alarm.<br />
I attempt to make my way upstairs.<br />
Dropping things along the way.<br />
By the time I get to my office, I'm worn out. Plum worn out.<br />
<br />
I have less than 5 minutes to read a Press Release and call world reknowned violinist <a href="http://robertmcduffie.com/" target="_blank">Robert McDuffie</a>. I have to conduct an interview with him, via phone, while he is sipping coffee in New York.<br />
<br />
My eyes race through the release before I call, and I take one last deep breath. Show time.<br />
<br />
Wait.. do you know who he is?<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2nTE1fnczHE" width="560"></iframe>
I really am beyond blessed as a journalist.
Sooo...
<br />
<br />
We chatted it up for about 30 minutes and I get all of the info I need to write a feature on his upcoming concert for Macon Magazine, then I finally shovel my cold breakfast into my mouth.<br />
<br />
I spend the rest of the morning doing museum stuff: returning emails, checking our financials out, checking in on staff, running through my to-do list. It is all very basic stuff. Then I decide to take that <i>final </i>sip of my coffee.<br />
<br />
Which happens to drip down my sweater. Remember when I mentioned the cup was placed in another cup? Well, when I turned the cup up to drain the last sliver of coldish coffee heaven, it proceeds to drip out of the second up in all of its leaky goodness.<br />
<br />
Of course, I try to sop it up with a tissue, then proceed to spritz a little DKNY perfume over it. Now I smell like a french prostitute leaving a coffee shop. Awesome.<br />
<br />
Because I have TWO MORE INTERVIEWS TO CONDUCT TODAY.<br />
<br />
I'm working on two entirely different stories - 1. I have to chat it up with the director of the <a href="http://www.houseofhinesformalwear.net/" target="_blank">House of Hines</a> about alternative bridal gowns for a magazine. 2. I have to drive to Warner Robins to interview a <a href="http://cma-fitness.com/" target="_blank">female body builder</a> for a newspaper.<br />
<br />
What a girl will do for some money. ;-)<br />
<br />
Again.. it's only lunch time. I still have the museum to run and tons of looming deadlines for freelance projects.<br />
<br />
Back to the meditation for the day - Relax.<br />
Okay.<br />
<br />
You're on a journey of discovery. Let life reveal itself to you.<br />
<br />
Okay... Let's do this...<br />
<br />
Buzzzzzzz......<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-20498038602053345262016-01-04T13:03:00.000-05:002016-01-04T13:03:21.107-05:00Because I'm All About The Books, Bout The Books... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsLwj1T3pDOESu_B4hgNUUIsBGWhGQEMsVvuNOdTz2VA5t9rOEUF1F8vE7I87ykdSgiqZRTDoQFgO-khScgVIVJOSHaYKSwh0t9uy-puNTi-I7wiSgISRe_UAEYGjGy66OSpefANi0TGN/s1600/897be9114268eaea588546249fbeb029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsLwj1T3pDOESu_B4hgNUUIsBGWhGQEMsVvuNOdTz2VA5t9rOEUF1F8vE7I87ykdSgiqZRTDoQFgO-khScgVIVJOSHaYKSwh0t9uy-puNTi-I7wiSgISRe_UAEYGjGy66OSpefANi0TGN/s320/897be9114268eaea588546249fbeb029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
One of my biggest new year's resolutions was to read more.<br />
<br />
I know, I know. I read a lot already.<br />
<br />
What I am talking about is trans-formative, turn off the television, buckle down kind-of reading. Luckily, I'm doing it.<br />
<br />
But what is Nicole reading this go around? It's so exciting, I simply have to share!<br />
<br />
(As always, if I find some random inspiration from what I read, I'll totally share it with you guys!)<br />
<br />
First thing I am doing is listening to an audio book on my drives to and from SG's home and back and forth to work. I'm super excited about the one book I am into right now (and I am currently on Chapter 6, just from driving into work today.) It is called:<br />
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Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. I am sooo loving it. At the end of the day, I hope to be inspired to take my life to the next level. I'm successful, I'm a good person, blah.. blah.. blah.. but what I can do is do better. This past year, I sort of checked out of the social scene. It's time to confront my fears and live louder.<br />
<br />
So far, I highly recommend it to anyone who is trying to be Miss or Mr Perfect, holds themselves back due to fear, and for those who dream more than they do.<br />
<br />
As always, I'm going on my 10th year of reading the same morning devotional/meditational and that is:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHzqHqjsByFFvVrOKbnLoFrd63IyUqzn4VLD04ca-EAMZaOPo3eGtmFrPcVdV00BH0fUyWd_zZPkbkNDZtQagwy9JoAPFxvTztNwH5eIO7SaYR4xcwKs_lbQZIE8L6Uo1qHxJdXTsK-iE/s1600/Sc8z3a7a1pJop8e%252B3ThaWo4mD3ZvVgD4DZEmM1bjC7HOXrbytgWvzpshQMVgVdVGGG0GKU17%252BH4hazYJyLZFYYRIRbk4Svx6OrtZJghaITE%253D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHzqHqjsByFFvVrOKbnLoFrd63IyUqzn4VLD04ca-EAMZaOPo3eGtmFrPcVdV00BH0fUyWd_zZPkbkNDZtQagwy9JoAPFxvTztNwH5eIO7SaYR4xcwKs_lbQZIE8L6Uo1qHxJdXTsK-iE/s320/Sc8z3a7a1pJop8e%252B3ThaWo4mD3ZvVgD4DZEmM1bjC7HOXrbytgWvzpshQMVgVdVGGG0GKU17%252BH4hazYJyLZFYYRIRbk4Svx6OrtZJghaITE%253D.png" width="237" /></a></div>
Journey to the Heart by Melody Beattie. It does not matter how many years I read this, I still get something out of it. Different days speak to me more than others. Today? Go with the Flow was the theme. I needed that. Oh how I needed that!<br />
<br />
For fun (ie, instead of turning on the TV) I am reading:<br />
<br />
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This book reads like an action adventure movie. It is so much fun and definitely a page turner. I'm looking forward to diving in tonight when I get off of work.<br />
<br />
Then there is one more book I am reading, and typically it is at lunchtime, and it is:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ThNXy-sNKU7toNJC208ucnGpHZlXEROfA09w9PrMERDRNcV4_KchqOO_sCKQv2jhhz9ZlW447txb2Z-1-i69xNNTYqaX-x0vFdq34hLtYfXa7VVBt2yBHXAVmW_iIX-jNgtjR9c3gMhN/s1600/Beautiful+Mercy+MK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ThNXy-sNKU7toNJC208ucnGpHZlXEROfA09w9PrMERDRNcV4_KchqOO_sCKQv2jhhz9ZlW447txb2Z-1-i69xNNTYqaX-x0vFdq34hLtYfXa7VVBt2yBHXAVmW_iIX-jNgtjR9c3gMhN/s1600/Beautiful+Mercy+MK.jpg" /></a></div>
Beautiful Mercy. A wonderful book reminding me to be kind and compassionate.<br />
<br />
Good stuff.<br />
<br />
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What are you reading this week?Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-19531314565453871992016-01-03T13:11:00.001-05:002016-01-03T13:15:31.945-05:00That Blank Slate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm sitting here on the front porch swing at the cabin. I see a beautiful clear pond, the wind is cool, the crow is squawking, there is a knocking sound, perhaps a Wood pecker, and the border collie, Gypsy, is standing watch on the pier. Yes. These things are real.<br />
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Sometimes I look at my life and wonder how this all worked out? I think what I am trying to say is... I feel such incredible gratitude to God, the universe, whatever good Karma I have apparently stored up. I feel an amazing amount of peace in my life. Something that I have searched for, it seems, my entire life. No, things are not perfect. There are many, many holes that need to be filled, but those things are fixable, it just takes time and patience. All I can do is what I can do, and for that, I have peace. </div>
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2016 has been shaping up to be another year of great change. We had a few kinks to work out on the 2nd, dog #3 (and I sincerely cannot believe this,) but the 3rd shelter dog completely attacked SG's oldest girl's bird dog. Guess what we had to do? That's right, return the dog. </div>
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It almost feels like 3 strikes you are out. It almost seems impossible to find a good pick. We went with a breeder - angry dog. Went to a foster - angry dog. Went to the shelter - angry dog. Look - I've been adopting animals for years, always a rescue, NEVER had any problems. SG's dogs are awesome and well trained. It simply does not add up. </div>
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That's a kink and it is totally fixable. </div>
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January 1st, I unfortunately had to nurse a pretty bad hangover. I drank an enormous amount of wine and champagne on New Years. Had a serious blast at a truly magnificent party at a friend's house. SG and I also enjoyed spending a little time together, away from other people. It really has been the best of both worlds. </div>
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I guess I am sort of at in a quandary. What to do? I have several books saved up to read. Currently reading an exciting Clive Cussler book called, "Plague Ship." It reads like an action adventure movie. Sort of mindless entertainment. I'm also still working on my A Year of Mercy. Though I must admit, I have sort of taken a break post advent. I'll get back to it. Now that I have a laptop, I can reinstall my Rosetta Stone and even save my photos without having to post everything on FB. </div>
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*sigh* It's all very nice and peaceful. </div>
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I'm still nursing my poor knee back to health. Not sure if I shared this, but I wore some high heel boots on Thanksgiving and made the mistake of walking from the main house to the cabin, and I do believe as I was going down the hill, I pulled something. Well, I did not do a good job of treating it, and one month later, I'm paying for it. I need to get back in the gym, but man oh man. </div>
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I also went so far as to buy a mouth guard. Yes, you are looking at a class A teeth clincher. I know I am wearing down my enamel and having so many problems with my teeth. So I have decided to <i>finally </i>take my dentist and ENT's advice and buy one of these babies. I slept in it last night, but not without a few pangs of discomfort. I told SG, it's simply not going to work. He laughed and said, I could have told you that you would not end up wearing it. I stopped. I looked at him, and I put it back in my mouth and went to bed. (It was expensive.)</div>
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Yep, reverse psychology apparently works on me. *smh*</div>
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Well, I am fresh out of topics for you guys today, just wanted to randomly throw down my thoughts for the new year. It's a blank slate. No real plans. Hell, not even any plans for today. Just tons of relaxation and tiny bits of self healing. </div>
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How is your year shaping up?</div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239739807914901688.post-31931048314041944152016-01-01T15:10:00.000-05:002016-01-01T15:10:33.207-05:00Page One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happiest of New Year Greetings!<br />
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Another year has come to close, and I'd be lying if I did not say that I miss it a little. But here we are, a blank slate, and tons of adventures yet to begin.<br />
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My 2016 has basically consisted of travel, travel, travel.<br />
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My SG and I drove up to Macon yesterday from the farm and grabbed a little steak dinner at the Texas Border Grill on Houston Rd. Amazing steaks and the service is second to none. It's sort of far out and completely away from the whole downtown scene, however I felt like we needed to venture out and do something a little different. We both had the Ribeye and it was to die for!<br />
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After dinner, we stopped by a wine store and picked up a bottle of Moscato to take to my friend's home. My friend Molly was going to let us stay in her guest room on NYE night. She lives very close to the university which is very close to downtown! When we arrived she handed me a key and sort of said something about one of the door locks would be the only one that would work, and to "pull up on something." She later leaves to check out a party, while SG and begin to get ready. As we are leaving (in great spirits and ready to go to a fun party,) I hand him the key and he proceeds to lock the door. I assumed that since only one was supposed to be the one to lock, he would have to use the key and we would be good to go.<br />
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Now .. this is where it gets interesting. We are heading out and he says to me, "Hey babe, I left my jacket in the house." I told him I would meet him in the car. Then I hear him call me.<br />
The key doesn't work.<br />
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Wait.. it does work, just not on the knob he locked.<br />
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There is no key for that one.<br />
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Anywhere. So here we are, me standing in a cocktail dress and heels, he in his suit with the tie, and I am texting my friend asking if there was another key. She tells us the only way in is for SG to climb the fence and kick in the dog door, then use his arm to unlock the back door.<br />
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Alright, unless you have been living under a rock, then you know how rainy it has been around here. Thick mud, soggy ground. He takes one of the garbage cans and climbs on top to scale this privacy fence. <i>In his suit. </i>He get over to the doggy door and realizes that he is going to have to get on the ground to try to reach through. Now, my guy is 6'3 and weighs in at 285 pounds, he's a big guy with really broad shoulders, built like a line backer. He has to strip down to his undies and lays on the ground (at night mind you,) and realizes he does not fit.<br />
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Molly drives back to the house, scale the fence in a sequined skirt and 3 inch heels, and shimmies through the doggie door (she is itty bitty) and unlocks the door.<br />
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Good heavens.<br />
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By the time we get to my friend Suzan and Walker's party, I make a quick beeline for the bar.<br />
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Suzan and Walker live in one of the beautiful mansions in downtown Macon. She and her husband are some of the nicest people I have ever met. I met the couple at the museum, they are big patrons of ours. She throws these legendary <i>fancypants </i>parties at New Year's each year, complete with DJ, open bar, and tons of food!<br />
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Needless to say, I drank entirely too much wine and of course, the champagne was flowing at midnight. We danced most of the night and had a fantastic time!<br />
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Our friend Josephine and her husband Gordon drove us back to Molly's and we cuddled up for the last night of the year.<br />
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Lots of driving today back to Albany to pick up his daughter and her new dog and reintroduce their pack to each other at the farm.<br />
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Okay, so the first day of the year is a little shaky (slight hangover) but other than that, everything is lovely. I'm snuggled up at the cabin, dressed in sweats, with my SG curled under the blanket and his dog snuggled at my feet. Not a bad start at all.<br />
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Now to just kick this headache. ;-)Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09446171177767324879noreply@blogger.com1