tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928842690182797052024-03-05T11:26:37.566-07:00Pages From Our BookWe're not very interesting, but you're welcome to read anywayKaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.comBlogger315125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-36054329164823985012015-08-16T14:37:00.000-06:002015-08-16T14:37:40.200-06:00Next stepThe last year and a half have been a blur. I know that the last time I posted it was a pretty heavy subject, and I have been back here many times to write about new things that were going on, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it once I saw that picture of Belle. It still tears me up inside that she is gone.<br />
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Now that it's been a while since Brett graduated college, I've decided that it's finally time for me to take that leap. I've got one semester under my belt and as I prepare to start the second, I find myself excited and terrified all at the same time. I know that I can do it, but it's going to be a really long road and every time I think about the commitment to it, it just seems daunting. So far, the two classes that I've taken have been good and I was able to maintain A's in both classes. Hopefully that's a sign of things to come. I am very appreciative of the fact that I was able to find a program that I will be able to complete online because it allows me to do things at my own pace (mostly), which means that I don't have to alter my day to day schedule or cut corners at work. <br />
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I used to have a hard time understanding people who started college without a real plan. I would hear them talk about their decision to start down the path toward a specific major and then change their minds after a while. I figured that if you were making the commitment to go back to school, it was only logical that you had made up your mind about what you actually wanted to do with life. The program that I've signed up for is one that I never really saw myself pursuing, but when it came down to it, and I was meeting with my academic advisor, she kind of directed me to it. I have already started thinking about changing it, but since it goes against how I've always felt I'm having a conflict inside of myself about it. If I change, it's quitting on something that I've committed to. If I stick with it, I'm potentially risking some serious failures and that scares me. I know that I don't have to decide right now, but I don't like the thought of not knowing where I'm headed. If I make the change, things will get more challenging because I most likely won't be able to do all of it online, but in the end I feel like it will be the better decision. <br />
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I'll keep you posted on what I decide to do. Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-5549247188593914372014-04-08T22:45:00.000-06:002014-04-08T23:08:49.881-06:00Sweet Belle<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Sj5qlrUPtzXglEj-irhu3FZ4DDp4BDzB3Av14vW4wzVKu6fnQW6AJH11FNUcR0-o5n-Zhm6lEnF5PYn8NGgQnxQTyZ_fp2UXnM3SCGnt8vRLiB52lHCtw1k-6hVE-97UjffFP_LbeEXN/s1600/DSC03250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Sj5qlrUPtzXglEj-irhu3FZ4DDp4BDzB3Av14vW4wzVKu6fnQW6AJH11FNUcR0-o5n-Zhm6lEnF5PYn8NGgQnxQTyZ_fp2UXnM3SCGnt8vRLiB52lHCtw1k-6hVE-97UjffFP_LbeEXN/s1600/DSC03250.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belle<br />
October 3, 2004 - March 25, 2014</td></tr>
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Two weeks ago, we were forced to make the hardest decision of our lives and say goodbye to our girl. <br />
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She was home, where she was comfortable with the people who love her, snuggled up in her bed with her blanket and her toy. She went peacefully. She was ready. <br />
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I can honestly tell you that the nine and a half years we spent with this dog, were the best years of our lives. She made us laugh on a daily basis, whether it was her inability to catch anything you threw to her, or watching her shake her toy around like she was the toughest dog in the world. She was funny.<br />
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I may be a little biased, but she was the best dog. Ever. <br />
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Belle loved everyone she came in contact with, dogs and humans alike. She was great with little kids, and didn't have a mean bone in her body. Sure, she would bark or growl here and there, but it never lasted more than a few seconds before she was excited about whoever was on the other side of the door. You always knew when she was happy, too, because her nubbin would wag like crazy.<br />
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She loved car rides and spending time outside basking in the sun. Every morning when we left for work, we made sure the window was open for her to look out at the world. She was so curious about the cars and people passing by. She was always just so happy.<br />
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As much as my heart aches, I know that she is at peace. I just miss her so much.<br />
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We love you sweet girl. Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-87281247183040093732014-01-04T11:45:00.000-07:002014-03-01T08:48:10.023-07:00Home2013 was a busy year, and had a lot of monumental milestones for us. Hence my absence here for almost the entirety of it. I tried to make myself sit down and write, but inevitably, something else always got in the way. I'm hoping 2014 will allow me more relaxation and time for myself. <br />
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The biggest, and most exciting of those milestones, is that we bought a new home. We had been living in a basement apartment of a family member's home for the past six years while Brett finished college, so this move was extremely exciting for us!!<br />
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We are not only in our own place again, but closer to our offices so our daily commute time has been cut nearly in half. <br />
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We already have a lot of projects planned out, and things we are hoping to improve as time goes by. It's actually not at all the style of home we were looking for in the beginning, but once we walked through it with our agent, it just felt right. <br />
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I've already had the opportunity to do some entertaining, and it has been fun to be able to have the space to do that. I can't wait for summer, when the snow will be gone, and we can take advantage of the back yard some more. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxwThh47ucZghtEcJrfwI2VRCPLWYWunW8hDDH9c7OW3vOBMn0E6KrMvo-3eYA7_uifDe2xDzOAWLJuWCMulrCkkMT52BlO9KGovHCI1K0KAcaXqfplS58k8Lj5dDBiHpldHQB9LAqVF3/s1600/IMG_2448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxwThh47ucZghtEcJrfwI2VRCPLWYWunW8hDDH9c7OW3vOBMn0E6KrMvo-3eYA7_uifDe2xDzOAWLJuWCMulrCkkMT52BlO9KGovHCI1K0KAcaXqfplS58k8Lj5dDBiHpldHQB9LAqVF3/s640/IMG_2448.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Even though 2013 was a good year, I'm glad it's behind us. I'm looking forward to seeing what 2014 will bring! </div>
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Happy New Year.</div>
<br />Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-87011283680157739552013-01-24T11:05:00.001-07:002013-01-24T11:06:12.440-07:00MilestoneI am elated.<br />
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I can't believe that I finally get to say this, but mid December marked Brett's final days of college. He graduated on the 14th, officially, with his Bachelors Degree in Art and Visual Communications. It has been a long road to get to this place, and I couldn't be happier that this leg of the journey is finally over.<br />
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This means that we are moving forward.<br />
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Many good things are in the works that I will be blogging about soon, so hang in there. I will be back in full force before you know it.Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-17646400071415816642013-01-04T12:50:00.000-07:002013-01-12T13:22:39.392-07:00And the worst blogger award goes to.....Me.<br />
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I feel terrible that it has taken me so long to get this post up, because I should have done it weeks ago, but I am hoping that my Secret Santa will understand! <br />
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I was absolutely thrilled with the gift she sent!! It was very thoughtful and the package contained some great things!! Here's what she sent:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPKSalJwg8AD5seixiEozOtybERyb-V1scagm8TD9a-PYQdtuiUu83LfnbK4moFde3PAeZV-JAveJKl3ySgFaB9iS9NEiEvztghTrLwJWfvwkLEc1dR1hvCrLxiaY6Fo0bu3ZTblL1XDR/s640/blogger-image--82627269.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPKSalJwg8AD5seixiEozOtybERyb-V1scagm8TD9a-PYQdtuiUu83LfnbK4moFde3PAeZV-JAveJKl3ySgFaB9iS9NEiEvztghTrLwJWfvwkLEc1dR1hvCrLxiaY6Fo0bu3ZTblL1XDR/s640/blogger-image--82627269.jpg" /></a></div>
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A ball for Belle. It's even her favorite kind....squeaky!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Pjk7QiZZ_7oeLXX7leyJageJ0fDXZkPOoNaHVm_2dibbkY1tLyiJtjhqmQFdT0dpmtp6Tfc8dG_Mfn42eQHNpwxA9WOFistH7jogfaazjPjQjFSal5k6_Ge1WmaB8zUeaNGe8kHZ3X1D/s640/blogger-image-1242881155.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Pjk7QiZZ_7oeLXX7leyJageJ0fDXZkPOoNaHVm_2dibbkY1tLyiJtjhqmQFdT0dpmtp6Tfc8dG_Mfn42eQHNpwxA9WOFistH7jogfaazjPjQjFSal5k6_Ge1WmaB8zUeaNGe8kHZ3X1D/s640/blogger-image-1242881155.jpg" /></a></div>
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A journal for me. I love that it has the quote from the top of my blog </div>
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on the cover. I can't wait to start writing in it. </div>
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The package also had the board game version of Words with Friends, which I didn't take a picture of, but I am very excited about it because that happens to be one of my favorite iphone games. </div>
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Thank you to my secret santa!! Once again, I had a great time participating, and look forward to doing it again next year!! </div>
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Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-41575485315093856092012-12-06T08:56:00.000-07:002012-12-06T08:56:08.415-07:00A place without background musicThe countdown has officially been on for a while now, but it is getting so close that I can almost taste it. <br />
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Brett finishes school one week from today. <br />
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It's a surreal feeling to think that soon we will be packing all of our things and relocating. We have lived in this apartment for just over five years now, and even though we are outgrowing it, I think I will miss being there. Just a little. <br />
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We have started looking for houses closer to where we both work, in hopes that our daily commutes won't have to be as long. It's been fun to think about all of the possibilities, and sad to see some of the ones we really liked being sold, but it's exciting. We are ready to be home owners again.<br />
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Soon things are going to settle down a bit, and I will have more time to update this blog. I'm looking forward to that, too. Things have been so busy for both of us between work and trying to get all of the final school projects completed, that I don't feel like there has been any time to sit down and breathe, let alone write. I miss it. <br />
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I'm curious to know.... is anyone still here? Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-90937932481894261142012-04-24T07:28:00.001-06:002012-08-08T21:27:17.163-06:00If you had an opportunity to save a life, would you take it?<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have always been about organ donation. I am registered as a donor and, in the event of my death, I want them to take everything that they can to save the life of someone who needs it. </div>
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It wasn't until recently that I came to the realization that I don't actually have to die in order to help save someones life.</div>
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Sure, I've always known that donating blood saves lives, but I've always been too damn scared to do it myself because I am a total baby and can't stand the thought of needles. Oh, right... my tattoos. Yeah, that's partly what made me open my eyes. That, and the fact that a blood transfusion <a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-have-yet-to-tell-this-story-here.html">once saved my husband's life</a>. </div>
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I started thinking about it a few months ago when I volunteered to run the table at a blood drive for my office, and I've come to the conclusion that I need to start giving blood regularly. I need to do my part to pay it forward. I am so grateful for the people that donated their blood so that Brett could have it when he needed it, and if I am capable of sharing, why shouldn't I? </div>
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The second thing that has really helped me to open my eyes, came shortly after that blood drive. A friend of mine at work, whom I have become extremely close with over the past year, has a son who was recently diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia. He is currently awaiting a bone marrow transplant.<br />
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Did you know that donating bone marrow isn't as tough or painful as it used to be? The majority of donors no longer have to be put under anesthesia to have the marrow drilled out of their hip. Now, it's mostly all done through donating blood. Then once you have donated your blood, there is a process that takes weeks, but will eventually result in bone marrow ready for transplantation.<br />
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Isn't that cool?<br />
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You could save someones life.<br />
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As soon as I found out about Be The Match, I signed up to be a donor. It's a quick online registry where you can go sign up to be a part of an amazing cause. It doesn't cost you a dime, and you will have the chance to be a hero for someone who needs your help.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4aJVKcabs74fuN04wvnY6G8gQLBGLyUbz-aIhLPm8uwLxUiWFfn5gU9vmyW01v0VIKr1HdxMaDX8dv01i_hKxSE7DqD34CnxOwx41o3_NNxf6nKrKRzNOf95Vro3KN7gQZl6atNk7T1H/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4aJVKcabs74fuN04wvnY6G8gQLBGLyUbz-aIhLPm8uwLxUiWFfn5gU9vmyW01v0VIKr1HdxMaDX8dv01i_hKxSE7DqD34CnxOwx41o3_NNxf6nKrKRzNOf95Vro3KN7gQZl6atNk7T1H/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My swab kit - Ready for processing!</td></tr>
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Once you sign up, they will send you your swab kit. You swab your cheeks and pop them back in the mail so that they can test you and see if you'd be a match for someone. It's that easy! <br />
If you want to follow Marshall's story, you can visit his blog: <a href="http://www.ajmjensen.blogspot.com/">HERE</a><br />
If you want to sign up for the Be The Match bone marrow registry, you can do that <a href="http://www.bethematch.org/">HERE</a></div>Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-60908693155718849822012-02-16T19:35:00.000-07:002012-02-16T19:35:04.511-07:00My version of heaven<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X5YCMj75PC8lIeIxj5ms60Pb3vrAg4GyZ2H5Ev0dnyL3NbgictdcVLQ6OsTKCYBFleVqHI86WyVyId1nsfu58uv0xLG8giR6cxjjI4-_pttmaSmQeGFd1KlgLFcq3sH2y1-bXHkhrT2X/s1600/IMG_4875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X5YCMj75PC8lIeIxj5ms60Pb3vrAg4GyZ2H5Ev0dnyL3NbgictdcVLQ6OsTKCYBFleVqHI86WyVyId1nsfu58uv0xLG8giR6cxjjI4-_pttmaSmQeGFd1KlgLFcq3sH2y1-bXHkhrT2X/s640/IMG_4875.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moab, Utah 2011<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I cannot wait to be back there again.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We need a vacation, and Moab is right around the corner. I couldn't be more excited. I sit and reminisce about last year and look through our pictures, and it brings a smile to my face that is wider than the Grand Canyon. </span></div>
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</tbody></table>Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-62716827728748373862012-02-07T17:52:00.001-07:002012-02-07T21:37:38.074-07:00Basking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2OwJoOV_Kjpohsk2f9IbmC9tNC7M5UTYwN127k6poThNz7-8rNX0XODpr8XMor853gEj_ODpO3Lkvc1uFZJMW4WC0BPmgchlbNB1sZhL8oGr6blraAhXBuvT1aUA_cc51b3A85b7RZRl/s1600/IMG_5551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2OwJoOV_Kjpohsk2f9IbmC9tNC7M5UTYwN127k6poThNz7-8rNX0XODpr8XMor853gEj_ODpO3Lkvc1uFZJMW4WC0BPmgchlbNB1sZhL8oGr6blraAhXBuvT1aUA_cc51b3A85b7RZRl/s640/IMG_5551.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Belle takes her toys very seriously. They are her babies.<br />
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She absolutely loves to sit outside in the sunshine and enjoy its warmth. Since we are fully taking advantage of the fact that there is still no hint of snow in sight at our house, she gets to spend time outside when Brett is home between classes. Today, she snuck her baby out with her so that it could enjoy the sun, too.Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-9230152231674513892012-02-05T17:58:00.000-07:002014-03-01T08:50:05.855-07:00Success!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thepinkpendant.etsy.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yF-Ym97q5Pk7Ww7W5X7y3ILy89iQ4Ds5EDnlh7OOLH_EN13xFMN6Tyt4vGxwyxr6QU6IHNxjU01ZRUp3Se8H8OoOlPqogrC9f5EBhVSmvWtMaeHsS1CuT5RrO_qOuvadzSxw_malu2kf/s640/thepinkpendant2.jpg" height="83" width="640" /></a></div>
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With the first week of <a href="http://www.thepinkpendant.etsy.com/">my Etsy shop</a> under my belt, I have officially made my first sale! So what if it was my aunt Michelle?<br />
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It's still pretty exciting. Hopefully this is a sign of good things to come!! Have you gone over to take a look yet?Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-50658281933039239082012-01-29T17:33:00.002-07:002012-01-29T17:33:22.538-07:00The big revealA few weeks ago <a href="http://www.highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2012/01/lethargy-leads-to-thinking.html">I mentioned </a>that I have been working on a few projects. Remember that?<br />
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Today, I am finally ready to share one of those projects with you, and I really hope that you'll like what you see. It has taken a lot of time, but it is finally ready to be revealed, and I couldn't be more excited.<br />
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For the past few years I have been making jewelry for myself, mostly because I can never seem to find anything that I absolutely love in a store. The more necklaces that I made for myself, the more frequently I noticed people complimenting the pieces that I had made. Then eventually it got to the point that people were asking me to make custom pieces for them, or telling me that I should be selling my jewelry and making money off of my craft. After a lot of thought and preparation, I decided to open my own Etsy shop. <br />
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Today I listed the first round of items for sale, and The Pink Pendant officially went live.<br />
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If you have a minute, stop by and check it out. Right now I have necklaces, earrings and wine glass charms for sale, and everything is handmade by me. I'd love to hear feedback from you on anything that I can do to improve the shop or the products and I also offer custom items if requested. If you see something you like while you are there, and decide that you'd like to buy it, I am offering a discount to my blog readers, so make sure to use coupon code 'PFOBfan' at checkout to receive 15% off of your purchase. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePinkPendant" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwq_NyhMKlZTl7qDxr_6WOonZIm9WsJg_2G8uYtSuaJsFLsxf_jf4w062MilJ8gQ3X9HAN-L6vlOvT_m-SxnkmMxQOoRJfIKyUKcwoquN5EcGqNS8IUIcQabNbMPkRE__anGZAiPGpUcoD/s640/thepinkpendant2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Click image to visit The Pink Pendant on Etsy}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-10410183229656941432012-01-18T10:02:00.000-07:002012-01-18T10:02:43.605-07:00If only she could talk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday was a rough one for our puppy. <br />
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We took her to the vet on Saturday for a check up, and to inquire about having her teeth cleaned. We knew that there would probably be a few other minor things that we would also need to consider, and so we had set aside some money so that we would be prepared to take care of our girl. When we got to the vet, some of our suspicions were confirmed and a few others were brought to our attention. <br />
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In the last year or so, we have noticed a skin tag sprouting from her side and a small lump growing on her back. We have been a bit concerned about them, so that was one of the things that we brought up and asked about the possibility of having them both removed. The Vet agreed with us that it would be easier to do everything all at one time, while she was under anesthesia for the teeth cleaning, than having her go through two separate procedures with anesthesia both times. The other things that the Vet addressed, that would also need to be taken care of while she was under were a broken tooth that would need extracting, and some overgrowth of her gums that would need to be lasered off. Apparently this is common in Boxers. <br />
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Yesterday was the day she went in to have all of these things taken care of. Brett did the dirty work and dropped her off in the morning while I was at work. I knew that I would have fallen apart if I had been there, because of the fact that I am an emotional basket case who always sees the worst in any situation. He is my hero. He even took her to Petsmart and bought her a new toy to take with her to keep her company while she was there. I still ended up crying like a baby from work when he sent me a picture of her in the car on the way there. Just the thought of her being scared to be there alone with strangers made me sad. <br />
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I left work early so that we'd both be able to go pick her up together after she was done. When I walked in the door, and she wasn't there to greet me, I nearly lost my shit all over again. That is one of the highlights of my day. I can't imagine how sad life must be for people without dogs. <br />
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We finally got the call that we could come pick her up, but the girl told us that the Vet wanted to discuss her blood work before we could take her home. It turned out to be fine, just a small matter of needing to lower the amount of protein in her diet, but I was worried the whole way there to face the impending doom of being told that there was something seriously wrong with her. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(remember, I always expect the worst from situations)</span> When they finally brought her out to us, she seemed a lot happier than I would have expected her to be, and her nubbin <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(that's what we call her tail, or lack thereof)</span> even wiggled a bit. The spot where they removed the lump from her back had been dramatically shaven to give them room to work, and now looks like this:<br />
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When we finally got her home, she was still a little loopy from all of the drugs and in pain. My heart was broken. She couldn't fall asleep, so she just laid on the couch whining. We did our best to comfort her, but nothing seemed to help. </div>
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This morning Brett says that she seems much happier which, in turn, makes me much happier. Hopefully this will be the last of her surgical adventures, but at least now she will have a cool scar to show off.</div>Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-42484309081022845132012-01-11T13:49:00.000-07:002012-01-11T13:49:14.119-07:00Lethargy leads to thinking.So far, all the new year has brought to me is illness. I have been sick for the last two days, which means that I have done nothing but lay on the couch and sleep. <br />
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It has given me a lot of time to think though. I've been thinking about the changes that I'd like to make this year to better myself, better the situation we are living in, and better my relationships with the people who mean the most to me.<br />
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To better myself I plan on writing, at least a little bit, every day. Whether it's my blog or working on my book, I want to write. I need to write. Writing is my sanity. It's the one creative outlet that I have, and it helps me to keep myself balanced. I enjoy it, and that is why it's important to me. Along with writing, I need to become a healthier version of myself. I need to get back into a routine, start eating healthier and workout regularly. <br />
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To better our situation, I need to work on doing something to make a little extra money. I have a few ideas that I am working on, some by myself and some with partners, that I hope to be able to tell you all about soon. For now though, I don't want to jinx anything. They are big ideas though, and I cannot wait to see where they will take me.<br />
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To better my relationships with those that I care for, I need to start by making a stronger effort to communicate more often. This year for Christmas, I didn't pick up my phone to make a single phone call, all I did was sent out a mass text. A text message. So pathetic. The other thing that has really been lacking is birthday's of those that I love. I used to be very good at remembering birthday's and I have seriously fallen off the bandwagon with that one. I never send birthday cards, and half the time I don't even remember to call. I need to make a better effort with birthdays.<br />
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Don't mistake these changes for new year's resolutions. They are not. They are life resolutions. Things that I want to change about my life and keep up with them indefinitely.Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-52996822549055496622012-01-04T07:43:00.002-07:002012-01-04T07:43:31.655-07:00TornYou all know that I hate the snow.<br />
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I'm a little torn lately, though. <br />
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Usually by now we have had snow for at least a month and a half, and lots of it. I'm usually bitching about the shitty commute by now, because as soon as it starts snowing, people drive like total assholes. This year though, there is nothing. No snow anywhere in sight, other than the very peak of the surrounding mountains, and it is January 4th. I wake up every morning a bit relieved, but to be honest, now it is starting to worry me. <br />
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I don't like the snow at all, but in January I would rather be a month and a half into the snow season, knowing that there are only a few more months to go before spring. The fact that we have no snow yet means that when it finally does start to fall, it most likely won't stop until June. Last year we had snow clear into April, and it started when it was supposed to. It's not unusual for the snow to linger into late April, or early May, but that is usually where it stops. This year, I'm not convinced that will be the case.Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-44007616423643396202011-12-30T11:23:00.000-07:002012-01-04T07:45:08.967-07:00A look back at 2011Sitting down to reflect on the year that we had in 2011, I was convinced that it would be tough to find much content. I couldn't really come up with a whole lot off the top of my head, and to be honest, it feels like the year was a cyclone of drama and frustration. <br />
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Then I started combing through my archives from the past year. <br />
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To my surprise, we had a pretty good year. There was still a fair amount of bullshit and drama, but there were also a lot of really fun memories made. I enjoyed reading the posts again and being able to relive some of the better moments of 2011.<br />
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I am really glad to have come across so many good things about the past year, because I was convinced that this one needed to be erased from my memory. Isn't it funny how much the negative weighs in your mind over the good? Even when, as you can see below, the good was pretty damn great. <br />
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All in all, I have to say that I have changed my mind since I began writing this post. I am not going to remember 2011 as a horrible year that sucked the soul out of my being. Instead, I will remember it as a great year of firsts, discoveries and fun. <br />
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I'm going to try and forget about the bad stuff. It's not worth the pain it causes to remember. <br />
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<b>Favorite movie:</b><br />
Usually we end up with different movies to list as our favorite for the year, however, this year Brett and I both agree that the best movie we saw last year was <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1637688/">In Time</a>, I wrote about it <a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/11/in-time.html">here</a>.<br />
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<b>Favorite song:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH2efAcmBQM&ob=av2e">Sail</a>, by AWOLNATION (Brett)<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDTZ7iX4vTQ&ob=av2e">Pumped up kicks</a>, by Foster the People (Kaylyn)<br />
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<b>Favorite album:</b><br />
Lil'Wayne - The Carter IV (Brett)<br />
Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto (Kaylyn)<br />
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<b>Highlights:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>We traded my Jetta for a Jeep (<a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/03/out-with-old.html">here</a>)</li>
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<li>We spent a week in Moab with Chaz and Shay for Jeep Safari (<a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/04/safari.html">here</a>, <a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/05/time-we-almost-didnt-go-to-moab.html">here</a>, <a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/05/rocked-my-world.html">here</a>, <a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/05/magnificent.html">here</a>, <a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/05/mashed-potato.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/05/indian-paintbrush.html">here</a>.... what? I really enjoyed myself, and there was a lot to write about.)</li>
<li>Brett got me a Kindle as a compromise to a much more insane request that I had made (<a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/01/project-gp.html">here</a> and <a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/02/art-of-compromise.html">here</a>)</li>
<li>Shay and I threw a murder mystery dinner for our Halloween party this year (<a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/11/this-years-halloween-party-was-murder.html">here</a>)</li>
<li>The second annual Mardi Gras Bash at Chaz and Shay's (<a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/03/mardi-gras-2011.html">here</a>)</li>
<li>We went to the U2 Concert, again with Chaz and Shay (<a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/05/it-beautiful-day.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/05/last-night-we-met-up-with-chaz-and-shay.html">here</a>)</li>
<li>A week of doing nothing in the mountains (<a href="http://www.highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/08/back-within-grasp-of-reality.html">here</a>)</li>
<li>Witches Night Out at Gardner Village with the ladies (<a href="http://www.highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/10/evening-of-enchantress.html">here</a>)</li>
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<b>Things that we found on the Internet and fell in love with:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://hartoandco.com/my-drunk-kitchen/">My Drunk Kitchen</a></li>
<li><a href="http://vimeo.com/30619461">The greatest breakdancing video in the world</a></li>
<li><a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/07/instagram.html">Instagram</a></li>
<li><a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/11/because-we-could-all-use-laugh-on.html">Marcel the Shell, with shoes on</a></li>
<li><a href="http://vimeo.com/staffpicks">Vimeo staff picks</a></li>
<li><a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/11/quite-possibly-best-youtube-video-of.html">Madeon - Pop Culture</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7hTAp6KrGY&feature=player_embedded#!">Sophia Grace Brownlee singing Super Bass, by Nicki Minaj</a></li>
</ul>
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<b>Tough stuff:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/02/harold-boyd-hughes.html">Losing my Grandpa</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/04/farewell-carell.html">Steve Carrell left The Office</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2011/08/losing-my-faith-in-humanity.html">Being betrayed by family</a></li>
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Cheers to an amazing 2012!!Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-72571574672540629732011-12-28T13:45:00.000-07:002011-12-28T10:05:59.387-07:00Dark passenger revealedIf you watch Dexter, and you have not seen this seasons finale, don't read this post. I purposely waited a little while though, so that I wouldn't spoil the ending for anyone who does watch.<br />
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Last week we watched the season six finale of Dexter with the Schlange's. Okay, so we didn't watch it <em>with </em>them, but we did watch it at our house at the same time that they were watching it at their house and we spent the whole episode texting back and forth. That's how we do dates these days. What? Commuting is expensive.<br />
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The episode moved at the pace that most others usually do, and things were pretty intense the whole time. It's always a nail biter. The texts that we were sending back and forth were mostly a string of predictions and an occasional "oh FUCK!" when something really good would happen. <br />
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The whole thing went by way too fast though, and when we realized that there was only a minute and thirty seconds left of the episode, I found myself a little baffled about how they planned on wrapping it up. He still hadn't killed the bad guy, and I was getting a little worried that it might not happen. As he usually does, he was taking time to explain to his victim the reasons that they were lying on his kill table before plunging a knife into their chest. This is always my favorite part. Then, as he was rambling on about how insane Travis was for thinking that the murders he had committed were all part of God's plan, Deb walked into the church where Dexter had set up his kill room. <br />
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At this point, I almost had a heart attack. Then, right as Dexter lifted his knife Deb walked in the room and watched him stab the doom's day killer through the chest. <br />
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I could not believe it. <br />
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With the show having two more seasons left, I am totally baffled. I thought that they would have waited until the last season to reveal who Dexter really is to the people around him. What are they going to do now??? I am seriously dying to see what happens in the next season, and now I have to wait in suspense until next September. <br />
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This is going to be a long damn year.Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-32403751903990812942011-12-27T09:42:00.000-07:002011-12-28T09:50:33.257-07:00Thank you secret Santa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The secret Santa gift exchange this year was once again a success! I had so much fun deciding what to send to <a href="http://www.traveldivastories.com/">my recipient</a>, and I hope that she enjoys it! She had my name last year, and I absolutely loved <a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2010/12/spreading-christmas-cheer.html">the gift that she sent me</a> so I was really looking forward to sending something fun to her and repaying the favor.</div>
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My secret Santa this year really paid attention! I was so stoked to open my package when it arrived to find this:</div>
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A bottle of Sparkling Moscato, a pink and black wine case and a pink and black corkscrew. Seriously awesome. Thanks to <a href="http://ichoosethesun.com/">Sun Child</a> for the great gift! I have already polished off the bottle, and it was delish! The case will come in handy quite frequently, and I appreciate that you took the time to make sure that you would send something that I'd really like!! </div>
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Thank you <a href="http://www.pserendipity.wordpress.com/">Pserendipity</a> for arranging the exchange again this year, it is so much fun and I am definitely looking forward to next years exchange. </div>
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<br /></div>Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-68751467275225544472011-12-19T07:07:00.001-07:002011-12-19T07:07:43.922-07:00What a waste of a dayI spent my day Saturday doing some Christmas shopping. It was a nightmare. Will you please remind me next year to get my Christmas shopping done by June? Please?<br />
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The traffic was ridiculous, and parking at any store I went to was nearly impossible. I didn't know that many people even existed in the state of Utah, let alone that it was possible for all of them to occupy one Wal-mart. That was where I drew the line. I walked into Wal-mart and made it about forty feet into the store before I turned around and walked back out. It was a cluster-fuck, and I wanted nothing to do with it. I refused to fight the crowd just to wait in line for an hour to purchase my three items. I'd rather pay a bit more and go to another grocery store. <br />
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I think all in all I went to about six stores, yet it took ALL day. I finally got home after being gone for nearly seven hours, and only wanted one thing to ease the pain of it all....vodka.<br />
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I don't plan on leaving my house again until Christmas is over. <br />
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Hopefully my boss won't mind.....Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-60487475371738489902011-12-09T07:28:00.001-07:002011-12-09T08:48:47.652-07:00Secret Santa 2011<br />
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It's time for this year's Blogland Secret Santa! <a href="http://www.pserendipity.wordpress.com/">Pseredipity</a> has been hosting a Secret Santa gift exchange through her blog for the past three years, and this will be my second year participating. <a href="http://highlandscotherns.blogspot.com/2010/12/spreading-christmas-cheer.html">Last year</a> was a blast, so this year I am really looking forward to doing it again. I know who I'm going to be shopping for, and I can't wait to see what she thinks of the gift I choose for her. <br />
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I know that it is really helpful for the person you are shopping for to post a few hints, since most of the participants don't know each other, so I figured I'd share some things about myself to make things a bit easier on my Secret Santa.<br />
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1. If you haven't already figured it out, I love books. I love to read and someday I hope to write a few of my own. Browsing through bookstores is a favorite past time of mine. I have a small collection of books that are signed by the author and hope to continue expanding that collection. I also have a kindle that I take with me wherever I go.<br />
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2. Pink, black and grey are my favorite colors.<br />
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3. I love things that keep me warm. Hoodies, socks, scarfs, blankets, hot chocolate, etc. - I am not a fan of being cold, so anything that will keep me warm is always a bonus. The only thing you <em>shouldn't</em> consider in this category is a Snuggie. It would be a waste of your money. <br />
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4. I drink a lot of wine. I drink a lot of anything, really, but wine is a favorite of mine lately. My favorites are Riesling and Moscato. I used to have one wine glass that I would use all the time, but sadly it broke a few weeks ago. I also collect shot glasses. <br />
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5. I love movies. It doesn't matter what genre. <br />
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6. I have a serious sweet tooth. <br />
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7. I like jewelry. I wear a necklace and earrings every day. The only type of jewelry I don't wear are rings. My wedding ring is the only one that adorns my hand.<br />
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Dear Secret Santa, <br />
Hopefully this list will help you out with some ideas. Please don't feel obligated to choose something that is related to this list though. I'm sure that whatever you come up with will be wonderful! I look forward to seeing what you pick, and finding out who the hell you are.Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-45198089228051751792011-12-08T12:29:00.001-07:002011-12-09T08:49:09.054-07:00Do you dare to take a RISK?As of last night, when he finally fell asleep around eleven thirty, my poor husband had been awake for close to sixty five hours straight. He woke early Monday morning, and between work and class, he didn't have much free time to work on a big project he had due for his finals. This meant that he really only had the option of working through the night to ensure that it was completed on time. <br />
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As I slept, he worked. <br />
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I felt so bad each morning when I would awake, and walk down the hall into the office to see him sitting there in front of his computer, still. Lack of sleep has never really taken too much of a toll on him because he has always been somewhat of an insomniac, but I still felt horrible knowing that I was completely rested, and he had been staring at a computer screen all night long while consuming mass quantities of energy drinks. Knowing that he wouldn't even get to take a morning nap, because he had to go to work for the morning and then to class after. <br />
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The project was turned in on time, and the teacher proclaimed that it was success. Everyone who has seen it has been impressed with the detail and effort that he put into it. He is definitely an overachiever. <br />
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I feel so lucky to have such a dedicated man that I can call my own. He inspires me everyday to become a better person. <br />
<br />
For your viewing pleasure, Brett's final project for his AE animation class:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/33295209?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" style="height: 252px; width: 465px;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/33295209">RiskCommercialProject</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user8335915">Brett Scothern</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-6219294248284730022011-12-05T17:40:00.001-07:002011-12-05T17:53:23.430-07:00The contents of my weekendIt was a busy one, that's for sure.<br />
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I spent Friday night with Brett trying to help me figure out how to melt chocolate. I know that sounds fucking retarded, but if there is one thing I can say about myself, it is that I don't really know my way around a kitchen. He is a much better chef than I am, so I would not have been able to do this project without him. He was able to figure out what we were doing wrong, and set us back on the right path.<br />
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I was making four dozen Oreo truffles for a cookie exchange the next morning, and when the chocolate wouldn't melt right I almost had a mental breakdown. They had to be done that night, because if not I would have nothing to take with me to the party.<br />
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Brett had spent the majority of the day, in the midst of finals week, building me the display for my cookies that I had dreamt up the day before and sprung on him like a total asshole. He did it though, and it was so much more amazing than I could have imagined it. Because of him, I won the award for best display at the party:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOL9wYdKE_mcaMPwWdzyM9-ysZoSGV7Qk7v9Z0E0ovIzp376nBsWMeuuEq9BFMUl3J1Owp2ubZentmeOr0pfBNREmUnZIs7hQWifJuRmxdc5Ff9bfJwaow6-BEwYpPcUMbHRfsCmVspq4g/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOL9wYdKE_mcaMPwWdzyM9-ysZoSGV7Qk7v9Z0E0ovIzp376nBsWMeuuEq9BFMUl3J1Owp2ubZentmeOr0pfBNREmUnZIs7hQWifJuRmxdc5Ff9bfJwaow6-BEwYpPcUMbHRfsCmVspq4g/s400/photo-4.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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My vision was Santa's sleigh on a rooftop, being pulled by Reindeer. I'd say he nailed it. </div>
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Then after the cookie exchange was over, Shay and I (FINALLY!) went to see Breaking Dawn, part 1. I had heard mixed reviews about it, so I didn't really know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. As usual. I have really enjoyed the film adaptations of these books and watching them come to life. Now I just have to wait a year to see the next one. Damn. </div>Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-4825554121356171452011-12-01T06:59:00.001-07:002011-12-01T07:31:00.285-07:00December snuck up on me fast this year<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzg6JTg-5dK60jWxQoZeGcsup8FeRErBi-zllSRw6TdaOF1T2jpjeDiUotiWUs8gfte5FWPumjSr6zt_on6MLJbGm1YzzrJeP-ly0231yzt_Sq9Jch1GT99JdCWHRsNSx3wJHSotN7X8F7/s1600/snow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzg6JTg-5dK60jWxQoZeGcsup8FeRErBi-zllSRw6TdaOF1T2jpjeDiUotiWUs8gfte5FWPumjSr6zt_on6MLJbGm1YzzrJeP-ly0231yzt_Sq9Jch1GT99JdCWHRsNSx3wJHSotN7X8F7/s400/snow.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only snow we have had thus far in 2011....fine by me!</td></tr>
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I know that it's December, and there's nothing that I can do about it, but I'm just not ready yet.<br />
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I'm not ready for snow. It was supposed to bombard us yesterday, but it didn't come. I can't tell you how relieved I was when I woke up this morning and looked out the window. The fact that there was no snow on the ground meant that I had ten more minutes of sleeping to do because I didn't have to go out and clean the snow off of my Jeep. I'm not going to be happy when it finally does start falling, because if it's held off this long, I have a feeling that means it's going to be a rough winter.<br />
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I'm not ready for Christmas. I am usually so excited for Christmas to come that I just can't stand it, but this year for some reason, I'm just not. I didn't put up my tree, instead I am using the wooden tree that Brett built me last year as a cookie display. This year my heart is just not in it. I'm not sure why. <br />
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Who knows, maybe I will come out of my funk. One can only hope.Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-43333629704447251822011-11-29T19:27:00.001-07:002011-11-29T19:46:59.770-07:00Mustaches are grossSomeone that we know has recently grown a mustache. No beard, just a mustache. It rests extremely prominent on his upper lip, with nothing else there to help those who look at him make any sense of it. It is all alone, almost as if the rest of his facial hair saw it coming and ran in the other direction.<br />
<br />
This person is family.<br />
<br />
I am the type of person who tells people what is on my mind, and I don't have a very strong filter. Especially if the thought is in relation to something extremely ridiculous. This no-filter-asshole-behavior has no exceptions for family. If anything, family gets it a little worse than most because they know me, and they know to expect it.<br />
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When said family member showed up to Thanksgiving, and I caught sight of the ghastly thing, I blatantly laughed out loud and called him a pedophile as soon as he was within earshot. I felt a little bit like Nelson from the Simpson's, only without the pointing.<br />
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Anyone who has a mustache, without an accompanying beard, looks like they should stay the hell away from small children. Even Brad Pitt:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zcewVEuSC3RefLdzlSYA7-AzO78Y1kNe89iBa4dnz_Ggh_Tq1VzNL7Y_0-Mdc1JEiHQ37EoVfujW-gdoPdUd1cdel3UkhrNDMJLjGFOENIsEs6_eL6x3djMUz163TINLGW52qSmBH7jQ/s1600/Brad-Pitt-Moustache-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zcewVEuSC3RefLdzlSYA7-AzO78Y1kNe89iBa4dnz_Ggh_Tq1VzNL7Y_0-Mdc1JEiHQ37EoVfujW-gdoPdUd1cdel3UkhrNDMJLjGFOENIsEs6_eL6x3djMUz163TINLGW52qSmBH7jQ/s320/Brad-Pitt-Moustache-03.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
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I don't understand this trend, and hopefully I never will. There is just something so wrong about it. It just looks like an extra eyebrow.<br />
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Am I the only one who feels this way about them? Tell me I'm not alone here!Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-72528172781539189032011-11-21T17:20:00.001-07:002011-11-22T07:05:11.285-07:00Doing things a little differentlyThanksgiving has never traditionally been a holiday that I look forward to. I don't know about you, but If I am going to spend one day of the year devoted to eating, my food of choice wouldn't be turkey. Pretty much the only thing that I am ever excited to have on Thanksgiving is the stuffing, and I can make that any day of the week. <br />
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This year we will be the only ones going out to Brett's parents house, so there's really no sense in making all of that food for just the four of us. I proposed to Brett's mom that we do something different this year, to which she replied: "We will eat whatever you want".<br />
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You guys, do you know what this means?<br />
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It means that we are going to have pizza for Thanksgiving. <br />
<br />
I am a total pizza junkie, so when she gave me the freedom to choose the Thanksgiving meal, I thought that it would be fun if we spent the day together making homemade pizza. Then eating it. Isn't that brilliant?<br />
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What are your plans for Thanksgiving? Do you have any traditions?Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692884269018279705.post-62634826392395501332011-11-20T18:11:00.001-07:002011-11-21T07:15:21.882-07:00Something that I will never understandWhy is it that people make such a big deal about black Friday?<br />
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You have a nice relaxing Thanksgiving holiday, where you get to spend time with your family and enjoy good food, only to wake up the following morning far too early and go fight crowds of people to get deals on shit that you really don't need. <br />
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I remember when my mom used to come home after a long day of black Friday shopping. Exhausted and broke with bags and bags of stuff. Just stuff. Half of the things that she would buy weren't even on the list she had taken with her, and when she got back she would spend the rest of the week trying to decide who she was even going to give all of this stuff to. She didn't need it, she just bought it because it was <em>such a great deal!</em> <br />
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I have only ever ventured out on black Friday once, and it will never happen again. <br />
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It was right after we moved in with Brett's sister. She had caught wind of the fact that Joann Fabrics was going to have their flannel on sale for ninety nine cents a yard, and both of us thought it would be totally worth it to go. We were planning on being there as soon as they opened so that we would get a great spot in line and be out of there in no time. If there's one thing that I know now from that experience, it's that things never go according to plan. Ever. When we got there, the doors had only been open for a brief fifteen minutes or so, and we went straight to the cut table to pull a number so that we wouldn't have to wait long once we got our fabric cut. The number that we pulled was something like 107 (come on, how do you expect me to remember the exact number? It was like four years ago.) and they were currently serving guest number 3. <br />
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The biggest mistake we made that day was not turning around, right then and there, and walking out of that store. <br />
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We started filling a cart with bolts of flannel with all kinds of patterns, there were so many to choose from. By the time we were ready to have our fabric cut, they were only serving guest number 12. We decided to wait it out, because how long could it really take, right? Well when everyone ahead of you has an average of 30 bolts of fabric, it can take a long damn time. Brett kept calling to see where we were, because before I had left the house that morning at 5:00, I had assured him that we would be home by no later than 7:30. I was so wrong. It got so bad that when we were still there, waiting to have our fabric cut and it was only noon, Kristi called a friend of hers who lived in the area and begged her to bring us Cafe Rio. We had no shame. We sat there at the pattern table with our lunch and ate it in front of everyone there. <br />
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By the time we got out of there it was almost 2:00 in the afternoon. <br />
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Tell me why people do this to themselves year after year, just to save a few bucks. I don't get it. I would rather spend the extra money and shop on a day that there aren't hundreds (thousands?) of other people fighting to get to the same thing. <br />
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Are you a black Friday shopper? Why do you do it?Kaylynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162599368779213756noreply@blogger.com4