tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47525192425772343852024-02-22T11:37:39.725-08:002 Love Birds Building a NestDanser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-52933727777601801302014-07-02T01:00:00.002-07:002014-07-02T01:00:49.976-07:00Genealogy ObsessionI'm pretty bad about keeping up with this blog because, in all honesty, I don't really think my daily life is all that amusing or entertaining. I've been pretty tied up with work and what not, and never really had the energy to document my life. I mean.... I just work, ya know? Nothing too glamorous going on here.<br />
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I've been planning to do this for a very long time. I'm completely and totally obsessed with my family genealogy. It's the only thing I really want to get into more. But, it's overwhelming. So I created another blog dedicated solely to my genealogy research - and basically starting from scratch. Well, not totally from scratch, but basically making sure I am doing it right. I'm learning all over again. It's been something I've wanted to do for years. Since I have some free time now, I'm cleaning up and reorganizing. I just wanted to share it: <a href="http://chroniclesofcheri.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Cheri</a><br />
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Feel free to follow my journey to discovering the past! :)Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-46570437734866611422014-06-12T19:51:00.002-07:002014-06-12T19:52:25.809-07:00My Very First TattooWelp, I got that tattoo! My very first one! And it's perfect. I love it. And now, I want more! Here's my beauty:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVue2rRyno6vrl96Xh0JRMcZXrNmodJxZd7aaWhYCGzVePVHXsQQ_Ph6dXCRbRsqGEshtejLwvCxXasKfP9OuikYTJ4hwkNepOuNNi2n6B4mJRgQ_sO28OF44lgkwAqbZPLJjre6I8LPu6/s1600/10173564_538715969570539_6099388186256187919_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVue2rRyno6vrl96Xh0JRMcZXrNmodJxZd7aaWhYCGzVePVHXsQQ_Ph6dXCRbRsqGEshtejLwvCxXasKfP9OuikYTJ4hwkNepOuNNi2n6B4mJRgQ_sO28OF44lgkwAqbZPLJjre6I8LPu6/s320/10173564_538715969570539_6099388186256187919_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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Honestly, it did not hurt nearly as bad as I thought it would. I don't know what I was expecting.... Like, I figured I'd walk in, and they'd laugh at me for being this itty bitty little thing. Or that it was going to hurt so bad, I'd cry. It tickled in spots, I didn't feel it at all in others, but man, I did feel it when he was working on my shoulder blade!! But all in all, it was a fun experience and I'd love to get another one.<br />
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Some people have asked me why, and this tattoo has such a long, complicated meaning for me that it is too long to describe everything in a short, simple, and sweet way. So I am going to tell you what everything means in my tattoo.<br />
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For starters, it's obviously a dreamcatcher. I chose to have a dreamcatcher because, growing up, I always had a dreamcatcher. My mother is very big into superstitions, and she still held some of the beliefs that her Native American grandmother held. So of course, I growing up, had a dreamcatcher always beside my bed.<br />
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I chose the wolves in the dreamcatcher because I use to have this intense, scary reoccurring dream of a wolf with bright green eyes. This dream scared the living daylights out of me. The wolf was always calm towards me and never hurt me, but this wolf always hurt a family member or a friend of mine. When I say hurt, I mean kill. It haunted me. I wanted the dream to go away. But, someone once told me that wolves are a powerful spiritual guide. He told me I needed to listen to the wolf and pay attention. After that, no joke, I noticed this wolf was hurting people that ended up hurting me in real life. It was like a premonition. Either they hurt me physically, emotionally, or verbally. When I realized this, I found the wolf to be much less haunting and scary. I saw this wolf as a protector. The wolf was protecting me against those that would hurt me. Once I got older and started decorating my room with wolves, I stopped having the dreams. I still have wolf decor in my home. I do believe that the wolf is my guide - my guardian.<br />
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The reason why I chose to only have the green eyes in color is because I will never forget the grey/silver wolf in my dream and its bright green eyes staring directly at me. It was mesmerizing. I actually kind of miss it. This is where it might get a little weird. Ironically, green eyes are a recessive trait in my family. Only 3 people in my family that I know have green eyes. They are my sister, my great-aunt Juanita, and my grandmother Oleda. Oleda passed away when I was 2 years old. I never had the pleasure of meeting her. I strongly do believe that Oleda is watching over me. She was feisty and fierce. She always protected children, no matter what. I will never forget the stories that I heard about her. Growing up, I knew my grandmother and her strong love for me and my sister, and how she protected children. My great-aunts and my mother and my aunt told me stories about her and reminded me all the time of how much she loved me and she'd always watch out for me. And because of that, I believe she is my guardian angel... my spiritual guide... my wolf with green eyes watching out for me. She's always got my back (hence the placement on my shoulder blade).<br />
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Wolves are also a very beautiful creature. Wolves have 1 mate their whole life. They take care of their "family" or their pack. They always stick together and they even mourn when a member of their pack is lost. They are also very caring and loving parents. As you notice, this wolf is not alone. This wolf has a baby with her. <br />
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Typically, feathers on a dreamcatcher symbolize breath and air - which are of course essential to life. I chose the owl feathers because, as some traditional dreamcatchers are designed, owl feathers are a feminine feather (eagle feather for masculinity). Owl feathers also represent wisdom. I chose to have 3 feathers. One feather for each baby that I have lost. Each feather symbolizes those little lives that I carried for such a short while. <br />
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This tattoo is symbolic of my grandmother watching over and protecting my little angels who are no longer with me.<br />
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Some say "why so depressing?" But I don't think it is. I am never going to forget my angels. I'm happy to know that my grandmother is taking care of them in Heaven. It's a happy reminder that my babies aren't alone. And it's commemorative of my grandmother and my babies who played such a huge part in helping me become the person that I am today. I'm in love with it. It makes me smile.<br />
<br />Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-70272329839517143292014-06-12T19:40:00.000-07:002014-06-12T19:51:55.613-07:00Wedding Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">So I realized, I'm not a very good blogger. I suck at it. I'm sorry. I'm just going to catch ya'll up on what's been happening in my life so far. Majority of the time I was away was helping plan my brother-in-law's wedding. He and his bride had a wonderful, gorgeous wedding downtown. I was a bridesmaid and the wedding coordinator. It was a lot of work, but it turned out lovely. My husband was, of course, the best man. He was such a huge help!!</span></div>
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Here's pictures of the bachelorette party:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Jw4Cq5SNcrXqJmyJFPsa30g3tNH51T5erxF2fjpEjlnaNbb29ykPdO9O8iBkMTc3Yh6MkEmiUKg3z50O-4ym3QktSMJXCfYbe8PFA7vFt6z9qlr-CurGwRa0mOx3Z9KNFdkyuo42kqPj/s1600/10378980_10152548000673304_2248133081892259064_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Jw4Cq5SNcrXqJmyJFPsa30g3tNH51T5erxF2fjpEjlnaNbb29ykPdO9O8iBkMTc3Yh6MkEmiUKg3z50O-4ym3QktSMJXCfYbe8PFA7vFt6z9qlr-CurGwRa0mOx3Z9KNFdkyuo42kqPj/s1600/10378980_10152548000673304_2248133081892259064_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning of the night :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTgXOpKFBHN50daV7CBe1f8Fc_GyTsADLYOOMheyJ21UkaMvS_cYwf7GuaN2ul_7nWIPIAX3r4R7U9srGJE7AGvUhZ46depr_ZGdznAtKRMey7KNNZdz5Nz484_pK_EzY95uVMMEAYk4b/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTgXOpKFBHN50daV7CBe1f8Fc_GyTsADLYOOMheyJ21UkaMvS_cYwf7GuaN2ul_7nWIPIAX3r4R7U9srGJE7AGvUhZ46depr_ZGdznAtKRMey7KNNZdz5Nz484_pK_EzY95uVMMEAYk4b/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got this fun couple out on the dance floor with us!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMHlqJIltxtYc2mbFH6YJLflRN4skFdCsdllVzAmsg4tEJVDW2u08Y_9KD0DcOFD6knbAXUKJfVgJ8z5MrFN7HIAJWn9Z4KZRKAaatCwPEH_y7hXD3h1114KoKKAt_Ash4wYxd9cMBzeU/s1600/photo+2+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMHlqJIltxtYc2mbFH6YJLflRN4skFdCsdllVzAmsg4tEJVDW2u08Y_9KD0DcOFD6knbAXUKJfVgJ8z5MrFN7HIAJWn9Z4KZRKAaatCwPEH_y7hXD3h1114KoKKAt_Ash4wYxd9cMBzeU/s1600/photo+2+(1).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls!</td></tr>
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Now here's pictures of the rehearsal & rehearsal dinner. The guys were entertaining themselves. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QGUB96S6PJspJtXpeLxWiJX9wzWWVw9tBAtmthBh-cdA92QRMsDy1Art9CcnWU7su1d8dG8mhyphenhyphenFRDaF9ZB6c3roMCV4C_j5ownP65QtGcO-bTODL8BlQKrM0-cpZn-Heuvd8MSz9VkRf/s1600/10269545_550165498425586_2109869102519469951_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QGUB96S6PJspJtXpeLxWiJX9wzWWVw9tBAtmthBh-cdA92QRMsDy1Art9CcnWU7su1d8dG8mhyphenhyphenFRDaF9ZB6c3roMCV4C_j5ownP65QtGcO-bTODL8BlQKrM0-cpZn-Heuvd8MSz9VkRf/s1600/10269545_550165498425586_2109869102519469951_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The groom & groomsmen at the rehearsal. I love how Nick is saluting in the background.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesGg08Mk0Mp8ZcCr_fCjucxJnzru1hWq51xNwCUriG3NqBGWZY62zNVx4C-ZtZ6ZeJVjljoyy9o18vZ6CgCk2sPhkCwTDNXwstuHo-PxpqaUo6PzQVxx9H5zvt_1lZo6cqbW7rZ8gaCWG/s1600/10334251_550163085092494_6002885549766295782_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesGg08Mk0Mp8ZcCr_fCjucxJnzru1hWq51xNwCUriG3NqBGWZY62zNVx4C-ZtZ6ZeJVjljoyy9o18vZ6CgCk2sPhkCwTDNXwstuHo-PxpqaUo6PzQVxx9H5zvt_1lZo6cqbW7rZ8gaCWG/s1600/10334251_550163085092494_6002885549766295782_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hubby and I being all cute and shit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTUK-NG8zxNFcH3zOm1OW4LuHASAOhf1udia_Qq0bkwue-4NLUIIrWot3jj_kHC-ySYvsfOj4IapKR-m34q5AWVaLrfvVnKFKDDO-NbUpc1AdwZy9oSufBxZHbwUllBfbcHpIxfIL3EAU/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTUK-NG8zxNFcH3zOm1OW4LuHASAOhf1udia_Qq0bkwue-4NLUIIrWot3jj_kHC-ySYvsfOj4IapKR-m34q5AWVaLrfvVnKFKDDO-NbUpc1AdwZy9oSufBxZHbwUllBfbcHpIxfIL3EAU/s1600/photo.PNG" height="248" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wedding party... it was massive. :)</td></tr>
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I didn't get many pictures of the wedding ceremony - since after all I was coordinating it and in it. But I was able to get a few fun shots of the day's events.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8nOa1ki_WH6ZorFGROk3jjI4BOeniNJCwjd7H88NoWSc82c9gsj0NMkvLeN-mtKDSNEt-0n3sgsMz-6f4gmCxGUGMgZuY2M4Z9oBvBiHxErXtfhj_ERJi0HapyrB813Omom7PJM82zsL/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8nOa1ki_WH6ZorFGROk3jjI4BOeniNJCwjd7H88NoWSc82c9gsj0NMkvLeN-mtKDSNEt-0n3sgsMz-6f4gmCxGUGMgZuY2M4Z9oBvBiHxErXtfhj_ERJi0HapyrB813Omom7PJM82zsL/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.PNG" height="274" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to send the guys out!</td></tr>
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A pigeon came and crashed the party immediately following that picture. They had been waiting in that stairway for a good 20 minutes and the pigeon didn't make a sound and didn't move that whole time. Until we took a picture, then it came flapping around like crazy. My husband was able to get a hold of it and take it safely outside. Silly pigeon.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaHSgQkrABTFy0QUyNGFHrzycbj1DaHlp_Y2U_qF3eDUYIxYcOo1awP_rPIB4wZtCJowijzIPPRsMrQuyM5OHzH9x5885SJo1w9XLgHB_9uD_w5Ccw789ajxcLchH_uzTukZSd7W_64DE/s1600/10411921_2279970716385_6050822875184917460_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaHSgQkrABTFy0QUyNGFHrzycbj1DaHlp_Y2U_qF3eDUYIxYcOo1awP_rPIB4wZtCJowijzIPPRsMrQuyM5OHzH9x5885SJo1w9XLgHB_9uD_w5Ccw789ajxcLchH_uzTukZSd7W_64DE/s1600/10411921_2279970716385_6050822875184917460_n.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful bridesmaids posing for photos.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDCzNAEFRsk3JViYKb3HPRfzelX_7AcjNLBdX5NvH7jl3EFaNqk6wkMNMFrwVeSEOINg3Rwo-z9imgS0MOAovH99svgnm5t1SnDfxlYhbNtbcRePSNyf2-x0AKswBvCYLXzRj0MHU1Zdq/s1600/10422463_2280005157246_2485314958268851132_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDCzNAEFRsk3JViYKb3HPRfzelX_7AcjNLBdX5NvH7jl3EFaNqk6wkMNMFrwVeSEOINg3Rwo-z9imgS0MOAovH99svgnm5t1SnDfxlYhbNtbcRePSNyf2-x0AKswBvCYLXzRj0MHU1Zdq/s1600/10422463_2280005157246_2485314958268851132_n.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wedding party (missing Amber & Jessica)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EcT7ThZXWMCHQBgAoui4ryExo-VBfwd5tFDtHx-Ikez-ZFJFVN_vCywZEZunjaS-mGCO5lbHKGrJ21Q1dMnBxdH_6Yaobe-l-lTDmoyTgoxSsp87Ry8iVYMNUHdMjJ30Dtjwfrz3dHDH/s1600/1525229_2279983196697_3246751299164469238_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EcT7ThZXWMCHQBgAoui4ryExo-VBfwd5tFDtHx-Ikez-ZFJFVN_vCywZEZunjaS-mGCO5lbHKGrJ21Q1dMnBxdH_6Yaobe-l-lTDmoyTgoxSsp87Ry8iVYMNUHdMjJ30Dtjwfrz3dHDH/s1600/1525229_2279983196697_3246751299164469238_n.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband and I <3</td></tr>
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It was a fun time. We all had a blast. So I am going to leave this awesome video that took place at the end of the night. Everyone had pretty much left... it was last call... and those who stayed huddled together for one last song... It was awesome. Maybe you can hear us all singing... with all the slurring and stuff... :P</div>
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Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-70364195104226635472014-04-07T19:26:00.001-07:002014-04-07T19:26:53.620-07:00Nothing Left to LoseThis is going to be a positive post! Depending on whether or not an opportunity arises, I am planning on going back to school for a career change. It is scary, but I'm very excited about the journey. I know it will not be easy, but I think it will do me well to pursue it. It is set for me to go to pre-nursing in January 2015. Until then, I am going to continue on my search and see what happens.<br />
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Also, I won a $100 gift certificate for a tattoo at a local studio. This is the first time I have ever won anything. So on Saturday, this girl will have a new tattoo. The tattoo has a lot of symbolic meaning behind it, so I will be giving it its own post this weekend. <br />
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I also went to the grocery store and won a 3 year supply of cleaning product and a new mop. Might not sound like a fun prize to win, but that's free stuff!! I'm a sucker for freebies. Plus, this cleaning product has actually proven to work! We've been using it quite a bit. That's money saved in cleaning supplies, like toilet cleaner, window cleaner, stain removers, carpet cleaners, and tile cleaners. <br />
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Travis and I have also decided to give ourselves a honeymoon/babymoon. We are going to Disney on September 22nd. Currently, the only thing we need now are plane tickets. Everything else has been set and is ready to go!<br />
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This year may have started out difficult. It started out like a nightmare. But I have faith. I have found a church that I feel is a good fit for me, and I think that has played a lot into my new view of life. It's amazing, but I feel that God is changing me. He is doing work through me to help me become the person I am supposed to be. It's a confusing and daunting journey to embark on, but I think it's worth it. After all, I don't think I have much else to lose at this point. Travis and I have been through a lot together. We've proven that we can survive. It's now time to start listening to God and letting Him into my life again. Only then, do I believe, that things will change for the better.Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-69728278022799770092014-04-02T20:24:00.001-07:002014-04-02T20:24:13.760-07:00Keeping Up with the JonesesApril always hits me hard. It was April 5th, 2011 that I lost my first baby at 11 weeks and 6 days. So of course, I am incredibly sensitive to a lot of baby topics. April Fools Day is like salt in the wounds. I came across this very <a href="http://www.scissortailsilk.com/2014/03/28/the-joke-is-over-why-i-hope-not-to-see-pretend-pregnancy-announcements-on-april-1st/" target="_blank">popular blog post from Scissortail Silk</a>, and I wish I could give her a standing ovation. Thank you! <br />
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Three years ago, on April Fools Day, I saw the ultrasound and heard my baby's heartbeat. Everything looked fine. I had been going into the doctor's office for weekly ultrasounds to monitor the baby. I had finally received the clearance that I would only have to go every other week now that I had reached the second trimester. Little did we know that 4 days later, I would lose my child.<br />
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I have been surrounded with baby announcements lately. I love my friends and family, I do. But with the memories of my 1st miscarriage, and with the 3rd miscarriage so fresh in my mind, I feel like I'm going through the grief again. Coworkers have brought their newborns into work for everyone to dote on - and they are really precious. I'm happy for them. They bring in pictures of their babies in cute outfits, and we all "aww" in the office. But deep down, my heart is falling into my stomach. I run to the restroom to hide in a stall and let my sobs out so no one will know. I'm in a wedding this June, and 2 of the bridesmaids are pregnant. One is due a week before my due date.... with twins. I have no idea how I will survive the bridal shower, the planning, and the wedding being with them all day with their beautiful baby glow. And I have two friends that are pregnant as well who I see often. I can't get on Facebook or Pinterest without seeing a new ultrasound or update - or pins for maternity outfits and nursery decor. Meanwhile, I have a drawer full of baby shower decor, baby books where only 1 or 2 pages are filled out, scrapbook pages of my ultrasounds and baby bump pictures, and maternity clothes that I can't wear.<br />
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I know this sounds bitter, but it aches. I'm happy for them, and sad for me. I know Travis and I have decided to not try anymore for a while, and we have a wonderful honeymoon planned for Disney this September. But I'm looking around, and I feel anger, sadness, jealousy, sickness, and confusion. Why is it that everything works out for everyone else but us? It feels like God is taunting me. Why is it that everyone else can have a baby without even trying? Why is it that one bridesmaid is getting TWO when I only want ONE? Why does she deserve a baby and I don't?<br />
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It pains me to hear some of the comments I get. "It's God's will." "At least you can wear a bikini this summer." "I'll let you borrow my kid for a day. You'll change your mind forever on having kids! He/She's being a brat all day!" "At least you know you can get pregnant." "At least you can drink whatever you want!" These comments only dig at the wounds in my heart. When someone passively blows off their children in front of me - knowing what I've been through - it's like salt in the wounds.<br />
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Maybe I get too far ahead of myself. I have to keep reminding myself that I don't need to turn this into a competition or a contest. I have to keep telling myself that this time has worked for them, just not for me yet. My day will come. I don't have to keep up with everyone else. I can't lie and say that it isn't killing me, because it is. I'm crying nightly, wishing I had my babies. But that wasn't in the hand I was dealt, and I don't need to make this about me vs. everyone else. <br />
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I wish it were easy to move on....<br />
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<br />Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-32220272733602518842014-02-04T15:51:00.001-08:002014-02-04T15:51:42.765-08:00Chromosomal AbnormalitiesI followed up with my doctor in regards to our fetal tissue testing. Turns out, there are chromosomal abnormalities. My doctor gave me a lot of medical terminology that I just could not understand. But the basic information is this: my miscarriages are a result of chromosomal abnormalities. <br />
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The next step was for me to get some bloodwork done. During a first trimester miscarriage, it is very well because the chromosomes of the fetus do not equal the required 46XX or 46XY chromosomes. When there are frequent, first trimester miscarriages and the chromosomal abnormality is present, it could be because one of the parents' chromosomes is not offering the correct number or arrangement for a fetus to grow. Small excerpt taken from <a href="http://marchofdimes.com/">MarchofDimes.com</a>:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Chromosomal abnormalities usually result from an error that occurred when an egg or sperm cell was developing. It is not known why these errors occur. As far as we know, nothing that a parent does or doesn't do before or during pregnancy can cause a chromosomal abnormality in his or her child.</span><br />
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Sperm and egg cells are different from other cells in the body. These cells have only 23 unpaired chromosomes. When an egg and sperm cell join together they form a fertilized egg with 46 chromosomes.</div>
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But sometimes something goes wrong before fertilization. An egg or sperm cell may divide incorrectly, resulting in an egg or sperm cell with too many or too few chromosomes.</div>
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When this cell with the wrong number of chromosomes joins with a normal egg or sperm cell, the resulting embryo has a chromosomal abnormality. A common type of chromosomal abnormality is called a trisomy. This means that an individual has three copies, instead of two, of a specific chromosome.</div>
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<a href="http://www.marchofdimes.com/hbhb_syndication/15530_1209.asp" target="_blank">Birth Defects: Chromosomal Abnormalities</a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small;"> I still have not heard back from those results yet, but they may take up to 2 weeks. If I am not the carrier here, then Travis will have to be tested. However, it is highly likely that I'm the carrier. Travis thinks he is "at fault," but I've been born with multiple birth defects. It's more than likely me.</span></div>
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Travis and I are just taking it day by day. We've definitely stopped trying to conceive until we know what's going on. Until then, I'll keep posted on this journey.</div>
Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-84849165946776637092014-01-26T14:46:00.001-08:002014-01-26T14:47:07.669-08:00What to Expect... I'm super antsy today. Tomorrow is the day we find out the results from my test. I'm a nervous wreck. Really, though, I shouldn't be. I don't think I will get terrible news. I'm just *afraid* that I'm going to get bad news. I can conceive. We know that. I just don't know if I can carry a pregnancy. That's the scary part that we're going to have to find out. <br />
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I wanted to write an informational blog regarding Mullerian Anomalies. But let's be honest, I'm not a nurse, I'm not a doctor, and I definitely did not pass a science class with A's or B's. So, maybe I can explain what we are facing in <u><b><i>my</i></b></u> terminology. Please bear with me.<br />
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I have a bicornuate uterus, which is also known as a heart-shaped uterus. This means that the shape of my uterus can contribute to complications during pregnancy and labor/delivery. It can also contribute to cervix problems. It seems that my cervix issues are opposite of what most women experience, where their cervix is weak. Mine is pretty tough, so hopefully, I have that on my side. This is just a comparison between a normal uterus and a bicornuate uterus. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://miscarriage.about.com/od/riskfactors/tp/mythsandtruths.01.htm" target="_blank">About.com: Miscarriage Myths</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/7/prweb3350774.htm" target="_blank">PRWeb</a></td></tr>
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I was always told to be prepared to go into labor at 6 months pregnant due to the shape of my uterus. My doctor is running a few tests to see what is causing my miscarriages, because I've been hemorrhaging. There are many women in my family that are infertile or have had multiple miscarriages. My doctor strongly believes that there could be a genetic factor playing into my ability to conceive.<br />
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For years, I was treated for endometriosis. After my D&C and speaking to my doctor, it is apparent that I never had endometriosis. <br />
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Another worrisome factor in pregnancy is that I have intestinal malrotation. This is a birth defect where my intestines did not make the correct turns that they were supposed to, and therefore, formed backwards. My intestines could potentially get in the way of a growing fetus; however that is very rare. The biggest issue is if volvulus occurs during pregnancy. In order to treat volvulus, a lot of times it involves a surgical procedure called a Ladd's Procedure. This is not a good procedure to have during pregnancy, and *could* potentially abort the pregnancy. However, there are women out there that were able to have the Ladd's Procedure during pregnancy and everything turned out ok. There are women who have had intestinal malrotation and had full-term, non-complicated pregnancies.<br />
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What is so scary for me is wrapping my mind around all of it. I'm not getting any younger - which also worries me. I don't want to cause more problems than necessary. I believe that the worst part about all of this is that even if I do find answers.... NOTHING is guaranteed. I don't know if I'm ready to face that thought just yet. My miscarriage is still so fresh in my mind. I'm not ready to face this battle. I'm not ready to go through the worry, the fear, and the uncertainty of what's to come during pregnancy or trying to conceive. Not to mention, the financial stress of a miscarriage. I can't go through the financial pressures to have multiple miscarriages. This is why Travis and I have agreed that we are *not* ready to go back to trying for a baby again. We are going to give ourselves until after the baby's due date (August 13) - because I know that day is going to be one of the most painful days waiting for me. <br />
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Just get through step one of this process. Find answers. All I have to do is listen to the answers tomorrow, and then we'll figure out step two.Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-11353143741788992652014-01-19T15:05:00.002-08:002014-01-19T16:26:36.947-08:00Be More Like My 6 Year Old SelfPlease forgive me as I bounce through all these crazy thoughts in my head and hormones. I'm slowly getting back to normal, and I've just spent the past week reevaluating my entire life. Mid-Life Crisis came early? Possibly....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wealthwisdomandsuccess.com/success/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/midlife-crisis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://wealthwisdomandsuccess.com/success/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/midlife-crisis.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wealthwisdomandsuccess.com/success/life-purpose-and-passionate-living.html" target="_blank">Divi: Life Purpose & Passionate Living</a></td></tr>
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I have been having many conversations with my mother. Surprisingly, she's really opened up a lot to me - more than she has before. And I have to thank texting for that. She's texting all. the. time! She loves texting. And with texting both of her daughters that live far away, she's opened up a lot. She's a writer. She never knew it. She does a much better job of communicating her feelings and her thoughts through writing. I don't think my mother has ever really had that avenue to use before. Now that she's discovered texting - so many things make sense.<br />
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My mom is lonely. Just like me. Which is ridiculous because we live an hour and 45 minutes away from each other. We really could see each other whenever we wanted. But an hour and 45 minutes away is still long enough to consider a "trip". There's planning and working around schedules and all that hoop-la. However, it makes a lot of sense that we're both lonely. We always had our families. My mom was home the most - and whether or not we got along and had that perfect mother/daughter relationship, we relied on each other's presence. Now that my sister is like... forever far away (ok ok, maybe 7-8 hours), and I'm on my own doing my own thing... and my mother made a daring career choice and quit her job. She's bored, and she's lonely. And the two topics we can bond on now are loneliness and finding a job/career.<br />
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Don't get me wrong. I love my job. My coworkers are the best. My boss is very forgiving and understanding. And the hours are flexible. I can work from home if I need to, which is cool (and probably something I should be doing right now instead of playing Candy Crush, texting, and writing this blog...). But... I don't think it's "me." It's just not my gig, ya know? Something is just missing, and I can't put my finger on it. I am very blessed to have a job at all.<br />
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In my conversations with my mother and with my husband, I've realized I'm doing everything all wrong in life. I get online and I compare my life with so many other people. I degrade myself. I make myself miserable - and in turn make others around me miserable. I'm just tearing myself down. I'm being <u><b><i>fake</i></b></u>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.quickmeme.com/img/8c/8c0ecf9695f21ffb98a1f52e5a3d21c5825d08afbc2e9e74163eb549c8ac1aa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.quickmeme.com/img/8c/8c0ecf9695f21ffb98a1f52e5a3d21c5825d08afbc2e9e74163eb549c8ac1aa2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.quickmeme.com/Philosoraptor/page/1568/" target="_blank">Philosoraptor Memes</a></td></tr>
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I've realized that I need to make a few adjustments to my life. I have this Pinterest board called <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mrswoenker/secrets-to-happiness/" target="_blank">Secrets to Happiness</a> and I've realized, I'm making everything too complicated and stressful. This is why I get stuck at home, why I'm tired all the time, and why I feel so "unhappy." I made a Pinterest board about Happiness because I'm searching for happiness - like there's some miracle cure, some piece of the pie that I can grab, and boom - I'm the most chipper mother fucker you'll ever meet. But let's be honest now.... happiness isn't a tangible thing. You can't just grab it. You can't find it. No one and nothing can give it to you. Happiness is a state of being. And without that state of being and mindset, I'm going to be lonely. I'm going to sell myself short. I'm not going to get the next job. I'm going to be stuck right here in my little pity party... alone.<br />
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So I say fuck it. 2014 is a new beginning. I started putting up cheesy quotes on index cards and taped them to the bathroom mirror. I've put some on our "Bill Board" where all of our bills go. Here it is. Time to stop being fake. Let's be real. Because this... this girl from 2010... 2012... and especially the one from yesterday.... she's not me. I've lost myself in all my struggles. I thought I was growing stronger, but instead, I became a stranger. No wonder why nothing makes sense in my life. <br />
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I've thought about this today. Now that I've recognized this... how do I fix it? What did I do when I was the happiest? Well... I was probably like, 5 or 6. I was the most happiest kid around. I made friends at the doctor's office while waiting for my shots. I made a new best friend with a little girl in the booth beside us when the family went to dinner. I ran. I played. I had an imagination. And most importantly, I never thought I had anything to worry about. This was it, take it or leave it and have fun. That was my gig.<br />
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I've proposed a little list for myself for how to repair the broken Liz. What would 6 year old Elizabeth say to 27 year old Elizabeth? <br />
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1. Who cares?</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sodahead.com/fun/who-cares/question-680465/?page=2">SodaHead.com</a></td></tr>
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Didn't get that project done? Who cares? <br />
Didn't get to the dishes? Who cares? <br />
Put a run in your hose? Who cares? <br />
Dropped the dirty kitty litter on the carpet when cleaning it? So what? <br />
Missed an appointment? Who cares? <br />
Seriously, though. Who cares? Shit happens. Move on. Clean it up. Reschedule. Take the hose off. Do it tomorrow. Who really cares? When the day is done, you'd done what you can. So what if you didn't do it all. You're human. Life happens. Don't turn an ant hill into a mountain. It doesn't really matter. <br />
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<h3>
2. Listen to your parents.</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.keepcalmandposters.com/poster/keep-calm-and-listen-to-mom-and-dad-2">KeepCalmAndPosters.com</a></td></tr>
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Yep. Mom and dad were always right. Sure they didn't have all the answers. But running off to college without a clue, disregarding what your dad said about starting off at a community college, picking a legit skill or trade that will be lucrative, follow where the stability is.... yeah, he knew what he was talking about. <br />
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Instead, you didn't take his advice, yelled at him for not believing in you (when he saw what you were capable of was trying to GUIDE you to a better path), messed up, didn't ask for help, and thought you could do it all on your own without him. You basically just took his sincere advice and threw it in dog crap, stomped on it, and said, "this is what I think of your opinion." Forget that he, you know, did just about everything to make sure you were taken care of and fought for you your whole entire life and looked out for your best interest.... <br />
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<b>Don't do it again</b>. You parents are always there for you through thick and thin. They have the BEST advice. Listen to it, even if you don't think they are right. Just do it anyway. Who knows what doors that will open up for you. It couldn't be worse than what you're feeling when you do it alone.<br />
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3. Do SOMETHING.</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anonymousartofrevolution.com/2012/09/do-something-today-that-your-future.html">Anonymous Art of Revolution</a></td></tr>
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Just do something. Very simple. Whether it's writing a blog, cleaning the house, go on a walk, read a book, play with the cats, call your parents... whatever it is: do something. Sitting around all day is BORING. Get off of Facebook. Get off of the games. Do something. You have plenty of time to do absolutely nothing when you sleep, when you're sick, and when you're dead.<br />
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<h3>
4. PLAY</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=be+a+kid+again&espv=210&es_sm=91&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=G2DcUpX6H_PKsATX8oC4Ag&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1244&bih=658#q=have+fun&tbm=isch&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=8A6NnSLE88etkM%253A%3B6tl9kFYcoP5gqM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fhope.gr%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2011%252F12%252Fhavefun.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fhope.gr%252Fstuff-i-forget-to-do-have-fun%252F%3B598%3B300">Google Images</a></td></tr>
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Very similar to #3 - but play. Give yourself a recess every day. Had a long day at work? Go do something fun. Play in the snow for once. Play tag with your husband. Go visit your nephew and play with his cars. Live a little. Nothing here mentioned costs a dime - it's great exercise, and you'll feel like a kid again. Stay young for as long as you can! Go play!<br />
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<h3>
5. Forget the Rest of Them.</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Don%27t+care+about+your+opinion+of+me&espv=210&es_sm=91&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=uGTcUs7-G6aqsQTSy4HADw&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1244&bih=658#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=66Zqt3XlH_nqDM%253A%3B0wD7IUWQN09b_M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fmrs.oshimbo.com%252Fassets_c%252F2010%252F09%252FLOLCat_Opinion-Tongue-thumb-300x274-461.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Ffootballislifeblog.blogspot.com%252F2011%252F08%252Fpaid-to-play-why-this-concept-will-ruin.html%3B300%3B274">Google Images</a></td></tr>
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<br />
"Do what you feel in your heart to be right -- for you'll be criticized anyway." Eleanor Roosevelt. <br />
People are going to talk about you. People are going to hate you. People are going to think you aren't good enough. Forget them! <br />
<br />
Really, no one cares about their opinion of you. So stop worrying about it. Forget them! Overhear someone saying something bad about you? Fuck 'em. They aren't a priority in your life. <br />
<br />
Applying for job? Don't stress it. Show what you've got and who you are - and if they don't think you're good enough - forget them! Don't let it eat up your self esteem and self worth. <br />
<br />
Travis thinks you are valuable. Your parents think you are valuable. Your sister thinks you are valuable. Forget the rest of them. I'm pretty sure when you stop caring what everyone else thinks, you'll find peace with yourself and those around you.<br />
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<h3>
6. Stop with the Negative Talk</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.someecards.com/someecards/usercards/MjAxMi1lMGNmZTk4ZWY5MzA3ZmUw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static.someecards.com/someecards/usercards/MjAxMi1lMGNmZTk4ZWY5MzA3ZmUw.png" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.someecards.com/usercards/viewcard/MjAxMi0yNmNmOGQ4ZTBhN2EyNDgy">someecards.com</a></td></tr>
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<br />
Stop talking badly about yourself. <br />
Stop talking badly about other people. <br />
What you reap is what you sow, and no one trusts a gossiper. <br />
Find a lot of backstabbers in your life? Because you put them there. <br />
Stop it. You let them and their negativity have power over you. Just be happy. It isn't that hard. Be positive. Be optimistic. Never say another negative thing or engage is stupid gossip. This includes talking to yourself in the mirror!!! <br />
"I'm ok." That's all you need to verify. <br />
"She's ok." That's all you need to care about. <br />
"He's ok." That's it - no more thinking into it. <br />
Ok is better than negativity.<br />
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<h3>
7. Find a Friend Everywhere</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/did-we-just-become-best-friends-yep.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/did-we-just-become-best-friends-yep.gif" height="128" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weknowmemes.com/2011/12/did-we-just-become-best-friends-yep-gif/">We Know Memes</a></td></tr>
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You ARE shy. That's totally ok. But you're an extrovert too. So don't clam up. Make a friend. Engage in conversations with strangers. Be nice just because you can be. No one gives a shit what you're talking about - just that you are acknowledging their presence. That says a lot. Find a friend everywhere you go. Smile. If you have to force it, think of something funny. Be open. You don't have to talk the whole time. Just simple gesture is how it begins. Just a smile. Just a happy "good morning". <br />
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Some random person wants to make a joke - accept it! Laugh heartedly. Don't automatically assume they are a freak. They are offering you kindness and a smile to your day. You don't have to strike up a long in depth conversation. Just find a friend and be light hearted. <br />
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No one is asking for your direct attention. No one is asking for a thesis about world peace. Don't take it so hard. Just be shy and be sweet. Find a friend everywhere you go - including the gas station, grocery store, a random trip to the restroom. It doesn't have to be in depth - just kind. Don't avoid people - or they'll avoid you too.<br />
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<h3>
8. Don't Beat Around the Bush</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=WTF+is+wrong+with+you&espv=210&es_sm=91&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=AmbcUreYNNW_sQSKp4KIDw&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1244&bih=658#q=wtf%20is%20wrong%20with%20you%20gif&revid=2094535077&tbm=isch&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=hCicDL54AkylEM%253A%3B5X9ql7MZxF_5rM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.reactiongifs.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2013%252F07%252Fwhat-is-your-problem.gif%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.huffingtonpost.com%252F2013%252F07%252F30%252Fbrooks-forester-leaves-the-bachelorette_n_3676120.html%3B500%3B255">Google Images</a></td></tr>
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<br />
What the fuck do you want? Remember when you were little? "Mom, can I have a popsicle?" "Dad, can I have a hug?" Freaking ask!! Don't think everyone has ESP! Speak up. Someone made you mad? "That made me upset." <br />
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Someone said something rude? "That wasn't very nice." Put it out there! <br />
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Say something! Are you overworked? "Can you help me?" OMG, it really isn't that hard - and people will be very appreciative that you even had the balls to just flat out say it. <br />
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One of the most impressive things that happened this week was blatantly saying, "I don't think how you treated him was fair given the circumstances he is under." SPEECHLESS. It really hit them deep and you could see it! Just SAY IT OUT LOUD. Don't assume that people are going to figure out how you are feeling or are supposed to know your emotions are wacked out! People don't know! They have their world that they know. You don't know what is going on in their mind or their life. <br />
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<h3>
9. Apologize & Forgive</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imgquotes.com/wp-content/uploads/Quollection-Apologize-Brave-Forgiveness-Strong-Forget-Happy-Sorry-Chapter-Quote-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.imgquotes.com/wp-content/uploads/Quollection-Apologize-Brave-Forgiveness-Strong-Forget-Happy-Sorry-Chapter-Quote-.jpg" height="320" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imgquotes.com/quollection-apologize-brave-forgiveness-strong-forget-happy-sorry-chapter-quote/">ImgQuotes</a></td></tr>
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It's a heavy burden to carry... Resentment. Regret. Guilt. Hurt. Anger. Don't try to carry it. Say sorry when you know you should. Forgive, even when you don't think they deserve it. Do it for your sanity and your peace. Remember being 6? When someone said sorry, how did you respond? "It's ok." <br />
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That's right! It's ok. Move on. Then after they said sorry and you said it was ok, what did you do? Continued doing whatever you were already doing! If you were playing, you moved on and kept playing. Let it go!<br />
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<h3>
10. Money Doesn't Control You</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://meetville.com/images/quotes/Quotation-Dave-Ramsey-control-money-debt-Meetville-Quotes-271731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://meetville.com/images/quotes/Quotation-Dave-Ramsey-control-money-debt-Meetville-Quotes-271731.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://meetville.com/quotes/tag/control/page107">Meetville</a></td></tr>
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<br />
You'll never have enough. So stop freaking out about it. <br />
The bills will get paid. You and Travis have a way of making everything work. So stop trying so hard to keep tabs on every single cent. You live once. Life happens. It's been proven time and time again that it always works out. So stop fretting about the dollar signs. <br />
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It's ok to budget. It's ok to keep an eye out and just verify the bank account is ok. Just don't let it consume you. Money IS NOT everything. Sure, it'd be nice to have the finer things, but honestly, you were happy with a stick when you were 6. You had an old tire tied to a tree that kept you entertained for hours. <br />
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And when you are really in a pickle, you've proven that you can do without the extra fluff to get by. You can make it. Don't let money own you. It doesn't control you - you control it.<br />
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<h3>
11. Take Care of Yourself</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Take+care+of+yourself&espv=210&es_sm=91&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=e2fcUv-PLsrHsATx-ICAAg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1244&bih=658#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=RhqYHHYfy2licM%253A%3Buf4juabz51Pa5M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-395DYWTfwvM%252FUaItwzZScKI%252FAAAAAAAAAQI%252F3ANQCLPoj6w%252Fs1600%252Fself-care-habit.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fhealthyvibe1977.blogspot.com%252F2013%252F05%252Fself-care-how-you-treat-yourself-is-how.html%3B500%3B500">Google Images</a></td></tr>
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If you are tired, rest. <br />
If you feel a surge of energy, get up and run. <br />
Listen to what your body is saying. It knows what it needs better than you do. <br />
Discipline yourself and be proud that you CAN brush your teeth and comb your hair. <br />
Wash your face every night, because it makes you feel better. <br />
Eat right, because you feel better. <br />
Drink water, because you feel better. <br />
Exercise because it makes you feel good. <br />
Sleep at night, because you feel better. <br />
Pray every day, because it makes your feel better. <br />
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Seriously, do things that make you feel better! By not taking care of yourself, you're telling everyone else not to take care of you. You are telling the world you don't need to be taken care of - and you do. You are inviting the world to make you exhausted, to make you sad, to make you feel gross, to make you feel less than yourself. Don't. Taking care of yourself isn't a chore. It's a recreation. It makes you feel good - so why not do it? <br />
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />
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It may seem a little juvenile, but that's the point. I get so caught up in being an adult and carrying so much weight (worry, stress, heartache, guilt, pity, etc). It gets exhausting. When I was little, the weight I carried was so light, I had energy! I had life. That is what I need to go back to. <br />
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That is what I need most: to be a little bit more like my 6 year old self....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1993</td></tr>
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<br />Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-24539857195527513182014-01-18T22:52:00.000-08:002014-01-18T22:52:21.605-08:00The Truth Be ToldIt has been a week now since my miscarriage. I think I have some thoughts that I just need to get off of my chest. I've done a pretty good job keeping it together, and trying to move on. But in that time, I think I have neglected my feelings and put more stress and grief on myself. It's so hard to go through a miscarriage and have all of these emotions. Of course, there's the physical pain, but I think the emotions just make it ten times more excruciating. It must be my way of guarding my heart from feeling broken, so I've suppressed what's been going on in my own mind.<div>
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Thanks to Pinterest, I came across this amazing blog series: <a href="http://honeybee2won.blogspot.com/2013/02/i-have-to-be-honest.html" target="_blank">Miscellaneous from Missy: I Have to Be Honest. </a> It is a 6 part series with 2 additional posts from a guest. It is quite a read, but definitely so worth it. It really revolves around miscarriage and faith. I won't lie, I've had my own personal battles with God during this past year. I've loved Him and thanked Him for blessing me so. I've relied on prayer. But I haven't really attached myself to Him and I've pulled away from Him. This is something I need to work on this year. This blog series really opened up my eyes and made me reevaluate my relationship with God. For all that He has given to me and done for me, I owe Him more respect and love than what I give.</div>
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In 2013, my emotions were just all over the place. Travis and I had secretly tried to have a baby since February. Every month, I counted the days. I waited patiently. I was eager to find to happy pink lines on a pregnancy test. When each month passed, I was visited by the annoying Aunt Flow or I found another negative test. I wanted to cry. I felt like something was wrong with me. What was I doing wrong?</div>
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Then August came around. I was late, so impatiently, I took a test right away that came back negative. I waited, with heart ache, for Aunt Flow to make her visit. But she never showed. I took another test. Negative. So I assumed it was just stress and tried moving on. But still, she never showed. I took about 4 tests, and three of them came back negative. The last one: positive. I was so shocked. I figured it couldn't be right. Someone told me pregnancy tests don't show a false positive, so I spent the night in disbelief. The next day, Aunt Flow arrived.</div>
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I didn't have any time to bond with that experience. I hadn't told anyone except Travis. We chose not to say anything because, well... we didn't bond with that pregnancy at all. It was like a fluke. So instead of reaping sorrow or pity from anyone else, we kept it a secret. No sense in saying, "Hey, we got a positive but it's a no go now!" About a week later, we went on a family vacation. It was definitely a great opportunity for Travis and I to just recoup and be with each other.</div>
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So we kept trying. I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. I knew that after a year of trying to no avail, I could be declared infertile. That idea scared me. I wondered if Travis would love me the same (which is ridiculous, but I know how much he wants to have kids and he would never leave me). I wondered what that would mean for my future - my goals, my plans. I couldn't help but fear that every month, I was getting closer to that dreaded one year mark. I started losing hope.</div>
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This past November - December, I was getting sick. <i>Is this morning sickness?? </i>I was sick for a few weeks, and I definitely couldn't enjoy family dinners around the holidays. Everything made me nauseous. On December 9th, I took a test. I was by myself, and didn't tell Travis because I didn't want to get his hopes up in case it was another negative. But to my surprise, the two pink lines showed up instantly! Without a doubt, I was pregnant. I was so excited, I completely spaced it when coming up with a cute way to tell Travis. I just grabbed him and showed him. We were so excited and happy. I couldn't believe it. But again, I guarded my heart. I didn't want to tell anyone right away. I was afraid it wouldn't last.</div>
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I went into my doctor's office for a check up and to verify everything. I was definitely pregnant and my due date was set for August 13th. So, ready as I was, Travis and I decided to tell our parents at Christmas. I came up with cute Christmas presents, including a small baby toy, a bib, and a picture frame. I even included a cute little poem. First, we told my parents since their Christmas was first. My mom and dad were very excited for us and congratulated us. My sister was super happy for me, because she knew how badly I wanted this.</div>
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On Christmas Eve, we told Travis's dad. His aunts were there too, so they witnessed his gift. He was happy and said, "I was wondering when I was going to have grandkids!" He was excited to have his first grandbaby. All of Travis's aunts were congratulatory and said, "We're lucky! We got to see the best gift this Christmas!" </div>
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Christmas Day, Travis and I had spent the night with his mother, step dad, and all of his siblings. We waited for his mom and step dad to open their gift last. When we gave them their gifts, they were quiet for a second... then his mom gasped and started crying. She asked, "Are you serious?!?!" She was absolutely thrilled. Mike, Travis's step dad, couldn't stop smiling. He cracked a few jokes about how the bib was for him, and congratulated us and told us he couldn't wait to spoil the grandbaby. </div>
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Everyone was happy. Everyone knew how much we wanted this. And I knew how our families have waited for this. I was proud. But I still kept my heart guarded. Now the family knew. If something bad came out of this, at least I wouldn't be alone. But now I had everyone else's heart riding on this baby too. I didn't want to break their hearts if things didn't go according to plan. So, instead of bonding with the baby and pregnancy, I tried to keep myself detached so as not to be such a mess if I did miscarry. I figured if I could be strong through a loss, if in case it did happen, then everyone else wouldn't be as heartbroken as they were the first time.</div>
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<div>
I found a great doctor that specializes in high risk pregnancies from a few friends. When I was 9 weeks pregnant, Travis and I went in for my first appointment with him. All of his first appointments start with an ultrasound prior to the visit. Travis and I let our guard down. We were so excited to see the baby and hear a heartbeat. Eagerly, I jumped up on the table, informed the ultrasound tech of my birth defects (in my first pregnancy, my intestines kept getting in the way of seeing the baby. I also have a heart shaped uterus.). The ultrasound tech just smiled and said, "Ok, we'll just take a look and if we can't see anything, we'll do it vaginally." Ugh.... ok.</div>
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Luckily, we found the baby within seconds. She was measuring the baby and telling us everything on the screen. Then she said, "it looks a little small." My guard quickly went up. I think I might have stopped breathing. Then she said, "I can't see a heart beat." She turned on the sound.....</div>
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...</div>
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Nothing.</div>
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I felt my heart drop. I felt a tear fall from my eyes. The tech went to get the doctor to view the images. I just wiped my face, and Travis said, "It'll be ok. Everything is alright." Sharply, I responded, "Travis, there's no heart beat. This isn't good." He stayed quiet the rest of the time.</div>
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The doctor came into the room and looked at the screen. He said the baby had stopped growing 6 days before. He verified there was no heart beat. The doctor went on talking about a hemorrhage and pointing to it on the screen. I think I must have been in disbelief or shock. I wasn't really sure if I was connecting the dots. I knew he was a great doctor, so I might have had a little bit of hope left that some miracle could be done. I asked him, "What does that mean?" He responded, "it's not viable. I'm sorry." </div>
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I just gritted my teeth and tried holding back my tears, which didn't work. I'm pretty sure the doctor said something more, but I wasn't listening. I kept thinking, <i>What the hell have I done to deserve this? </i>The tech said to meet the doctor in his office next door whenever we were ready. She and the doctor left the room. It was just Travis and I alone in this dark room... with the image of our baby on the screen. I'll never forget looking at that screen one last time. It's like time stopped. Travis had come up to me, held my hand and hugged me. He said something, but I was so entranced by that screen. That little baby jellybean on the screen... It was alive. Now it's gone.</div>
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I took a deep breath, grabbed a tissue, wiped my face, and jumped down to grab my things. Poor Travis, I don't think I looked at him or said anything to him. I was so caught up in the moment, I neglected my husband. I neglected his feelings too. I knew he was hurt. But it just didn't register for me. We walked into the doctor's office next door. His office was incredibly busy that day, so for him to take the time to sit down and wait for us... that says a lot about him and how genuine of a doctor he is. That thought came into my mind as he started talking. </div>
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The doctor discussed what he had seen in the ultrasound and gave me two options. He said we could let it go naturally or we could do a D&C. However, he said with my hemorrhaging, he highly recommended a D&C because going through the miscarriage naturally could cause for an emergency situation and put me in the ER. I agreed to do the D&C. He didn't want me to hemorrhage and drop the pregnancy before the D&C, so he scheduled our appointment for 5:30 AM the following day. I was given orders to stay in bed and rest, and not to drink or eat anything after 11 PM. He continued to talk to us about my previous miscarriages, and when I told him I have hemorrhaged before with my first pregnancy, he asked if he could run some tests to find out what is causing these miscarriages. He did tell me that with my heart shaped uterus, I've probably had more early miscarriages that I didn't know about - which made me think of all the times I was late with a negative pregnancy test... However, he did not feel that the shape of my uterus is causing my later miscarriages. </div>
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I was pretty speechless. I was afraid to talk. I was afraid the moment I said anything, I'd start bawling. Travis spoke up for me - which I'm very thankful for. He told the doctor that many women in my family have multiple miscarriages or infertility. The doctor said he has many patients that do, so not to worry. "Let's just find some answers and go from there."</div>
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Travis and I had drove separately because he had to leave for work immediately after our appointment. I sat in my car for a few minutes in silence. I wanted to pray, but I didn't know what to pray for. I wanted to cry now, but I held so much in, I just couldn't cry. I called my work because I had told my boss I would be back in later that evening to finish up some things. A very nice coworker, who was very excited to see ultrasound pictures, answered the phone. She didn't pry... she could tell I didn't have good news when I told her I wouldn't be back in for a few days. I told her we had lost the baby, and I didn't know when I would return to work. She forwarded the message to my boss, who was very understanding.</div>
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That night, I made the dreadful phone calls to our parents. "We lost the baby." "I'm ok." I told them everything the doctor said. It was very well scripted. I didn't want to cry. I didn't want our family to worry.</div>
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Sometimes, I think guys show it in the weirdest of ways - but I think guys go through a mental mind fuck when they experience a miscarriage. Their friends don't really understand. Travis tried to be supportive as I went through my hormonal ups and downs. He sat beside me throughout the procedure (when he could) and never left my side. He saw how much pain I was in, and there was nothing he could do for me. Travis tried to pick up the weight for two in this house - because I was so sick and in so much pain for a week after the D&C. I did not recoup from the D&C well at all. The pain was so intense, it would knock me to the ground. I was on so much medication that when the pain meds wore off, I knew exactly when it did. I tried to keep up with eating but the nausea and the constant pain made me not want to eat. When I refused to eat before taking my next dosage, I regretted not eating. Poor Travis, he had to watch it. He didn't have time to grieve or heal his own heart. He had to take care of me and everything else. And all the while, many of his friends were not sympathetic. They just didn't get it.</div>
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I look at him now and wonder how he kept himself together. He got angry a few times - not at me - but at his friends who refused to see the big picture. They were busy telling him he was whipped or a "puss" for not standing up to me. They were busy telling him that he answers to my every beck and call... mind you... he just lost his baby, and he's watching his wife suffer with emotional breakdowns and physical pain. What was he supposed to do? And all the while, I was so focused on me and my pain, I wasn't there for him when he needed me. My husband, who would do anything for me, didn't have anyone there for him and he didn't have a chance to grieve his loss. I feel so guilty for this. I've heard him say that it could be him... it could be his fault we can't have babies. I know he's hurting and he's confused. And now that I'm feeling better, I'm sorry that I wasn't there for him. And I'm sorry no one took the time to be there for him in my absence. </div>
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I don't know what I'm to take from this miscarriage. I know I've questioned my faith all year. But maybe just now isn't the time for Travis and I to have children. We are not going to try again for a while. I don't know when we'll be ready to try again. All I know is that this year, we've promised to dedicate it to ourselves - to our marriage and our friendship. I've promised to be more outgoing and spontaneous with his adventures. I've promised to be a little bit more independent. He's promised to be more of a home body. He's promised to do more things with just the two of us - no other friends included. Maybe that's just what we need....</div>
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Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-39281138240987533162014-01-14T21:52:00.001-08:002014-01-14T21:52:12.701-08:00Ending 2013, and Starting a New Chapter2013 was pretty mellow. Travis and I started the year living with my father-in-law, and we moved into our own apartment in July. My high school friend was traveling to our town for work, so we were able to catch up. I really dove into genealogy and found new cool information about my ancestors. We also enjoyed a fabulous vacation in August with his family to Hilton Head, South Carolina. My niece was born in October. And Travis got a promotion again. The year has been pretty laid back outside of those big adventures. <div>
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We did experience a few sad moments. Low and behold, Travis and I have been trying for a baby for some time. Since February, actually, to no avail. We got pregnant in August, but it was so short lived, I miscarried before we could tell anyone. We decided to keep it a secret since... we didn't really have time to bond with the baby ourselves. And then on December 9th, we found out we were expecting again. My due date was set for August 13th, 2014. We created fun Christmas presents to tell our families. Everyone was super happy and excited for us. Travis and I were incredibly excited as well, and we began preparing for a little one. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyneZspfxyNqcuxWuoDzXcuXK3jG2zf8nNF4zHPHgeyFemafXr2CZ-hgd1RcO6-4Caz9NPMlp90oTKqLWKU0LlSw26lv9iRzu6lYWiYOpxFPYqCCsVh_JPb8QUj4vX3lQe1GMZEpDVn_a/s1600/BabyBump5weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyneZspfxyNqcuxWuoDzXcuXK3jG2zf8nNF4zHPHgeyFemafXr2CZ-hgd1RcO6-4Caz9NPMlp90oTKqLWKU0LlSw26lv9iRzu6lYWiYOpxFPYqCCsVh_JPb8QUj4vX3lQe1GMZEpDVn_a/s1600/BabyBump5weeks.jpg" height="320" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monthly Baby Bump Photos only had 1 entry.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OPPofe7If4QMGSMBDLq96EPCgE34gziy61ZyyAbhQXjx2upQFCK8DKPi_55teoX1Mg9jF4i2q234WKw25gJi7baTIT_waFUOZPF6PCul63IBjKiJXfW67l0OBanLYjAGmhdxbqTqSvLy/s1600/Grandparents+Poem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OPPofe7If4QMGSMBDLq96EPCgE34gziy61ZyyAbhQXjx2upQFCK8DKPi_55teoX1Mg9jF4i2q234WKw25gJi7baTIT_waFUOZPF6PCul63IBjKiJXfW67l0OBanLYjAGmhdxbqTqSvLy/s1600/Grandparents+Poem.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fun poem we gave to our parents with their Christmas gifts. Travis's mother cried with joy.</td></tr>
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When I went to my ultrasound, we found out the baby had stopped growing. There was no heartbeat. I was 9 weeks pregnant. This will be our 3rd miscarriage. I had my D&C on Friday, and have been healing ever since. Tomorrow starts my "normal" routine again. Have you ever had those moments where you wish you could just, "Ok, I'm done now!" and then everything just stop and go back to normal? That's what I've been wishing for. But unfortunately, life doesn't work out that way. Travis and I are doing fine. I think I purposely didn't let myself get too attached to the pregnancy. I knew it was early, and I was wondering if it would even stick. Travis and I have decided to take a break from trying for a baby. Instead, we've decided to focus on us this year.</div>
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Travis and I are officially beginning our house hunt this spring. I know we've mentioned it a million times before. All I can really say, to be honest, is that we'll see where it takes us. Hopefully, we'll have our home this year.</div>
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Travis and I are also planning our honeymoon that we never had. This year, we are going to go to Disney World and Universal Studios in September. The reservations have been made, deposit has been paid, and we're committed to the adventure. This will be Travis's first time going to Disney World - and it will be both of our first times at Universal Studios. I can't say that I'm not excited, because I really am. </div>
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Other than that, we are going to see where life takes us. It's a new year, and we're just going to change our focus to us and celebrate our life together. Maybe when we are ready, we will begin again on the journey to having our own little family. Until then, we'll see what happens.</div>
Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-87757052754272744852013-10-06T09:38:00.001-07:002013-10-06T09:38:58.292-07:00Amelia Rose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As of October 5th, my wonderful sister had a baby girl named Amelia Rose. She was 8 lbs, 3 oz. and 20 inches long. And let me tell you - she's a BEAUTY! I could very well be a little biased, but I don't think so.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8cO9Hr5IYWOWibzmLLX8i3jCEiI3pr_QMtTS8IwSDOgP18gcaXJ_HAuoIbVYMUKLH6xlboFlQZA8UlcNOfP3PjE4jCRiLry9WYKHWzkdKYSAeJUbkTBtRRdky30zDCv3LRgugW3ul82Q/s1600/1385193_10151898261308421_108334520_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8cO9Hr5IYWOWibzmLLX8i3jCEiI3pr_QMtTS8IwSDOgP18gcaXJ_HAuoIbVYMUKLH6xlboFlQZA8UlcNOfP3PjE4jCRiLry9WYKHWzkdKYSAeJUbkTBtRRdky30zDCv3LRgugW3ul82Q/s320/1385193_10151898261308421_108334520_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amelia Rose</td></tr>
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It all started with a phone call at 2:00 AM. My brother-in-law (BIL) and my dad had tried calling me for an hour, but my phone was in the living room and I was very much asleep. My BIL called Travis, who immediately woke up. He said, "It's baby time!"<br />
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Half asleep, Travis wakes me up saying, "It's baby time! It's baby time!" Some how, I knew what that meant. I grabbed the phone and my BIL tells me that my sister is having the baby! Her contractions started around 1 AM - and by 2:00 AM, they were at the hospital with the OK to go!<br />
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I had to work at 9 AM, so of course, I was checking my phone and my Facebook to get the latest updates. My sister and BIL kept everyone posted via Facebook. At 9:15 AM - my niece was like a freight train. Nothing could stop her, and she was ready to be born! Amelia Rose was born at 9:38 AM.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDhk7K0mXdfEThjWkO3HxcjqJHqHE8pzzdjPFxwnarvLPMPBpuYwgLa-8vuzuftm05yQ8PX3U-W8M216h2xNfYLZFKe0pO-Ypz291GYQ2aMEH3Brhyphenhyphen6cryOCY5b9hXJWbyTWA6IWMKFSY/s1600/65033_151161658427274_1959648265_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDhk7K0mXdfEThjWkO3HxcjqJHqHE8pzzdjPFxwnarvLPMPBpuYwgLa-8vuzuftm05yQ8PX3U-W8M216h2xNfYLZFKe0pO-Ypz291GYQ2aMEH3Brhyphenhyphen6cryOCY5b9hXJWbyTWA6IWMKFSY/s320/65033_151161658427274_1959648265_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi everybody!</td></tr>
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I have not had the opportunity to meet my beautiful niece yet. However, I plan on visiting this upcoming weekend. My nephew hasn't really understood what has happened here. I'm sure he's going to be a little confused when they get home. But he pet his new sister and gave her kisses. Other than that, he didn't really pay much attention to her at first. I'm sure that will change when they get home. <br />
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Here are the pictures that they shared with me. This weekend, I'll be able to post some of my own! I can't wait to meet her!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTiTtTjWNMyoAgD7V6ONZvcTxs3WPch1_7cDe-789ZX5-07hHHxq0DaTvqqRFgUXzYye7ZruSgMW7JBt-H8o_bxBDFWm9WrVJ23ScNz5eGJ2GA3pJjmkFRtOQ1meRIl5jBkmsalywBQcD/s1600/1381844_554718377917349_26415058_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTiTtTjWNMyoAgD7V6ONZvcTxs3WPch1_7cDe-789ZX5-07hHHxq0DaTvqqRFgUXzYye7ZruSgMW7JBt-H8o_bxBDFWm9WrVJ23ScNz5eGJ2GA3pJjmkFRtOQ1meRIl5jBkmsalywBQcD/s320/1381844_554718377917349_26415058_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All comfy!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8EoeHv3ZcQOgOlHVjw7XA3WiXXfnKG_Wc9jOiCza2CmEFi7NJQC29MBmkyUt7w5ytmqD3zzwnmJonFHTmvcJ-E0ng5Hy9uy3M4IUhPDjUvg7Nn964WmzGNyJyZW1gADvaQBtXSvehJnl/s1600/1377202_10151898261443421_1031206604_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8EoeHv3ZcQOgOlHVjw7XA3WiXXfnKG_Wc9jOiCza2CmEFi7NJQC29MBmkyUt7w5ytmqD3zzwnmJonFHTmvcJ-E0ng5Hy9uy3M4IUhPDjUvg7Nn964WmzGNyJyZW1gADvaQBtXSvehJnl/s320/1377202_10151898261443421_1031206604_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe is a big brother!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2_FavcGkNYQo4GFjlBgTi8qws79whaZ_Hw_WXB88UY3MMf6TMeBaj_sXTpUAMSfELVAd2-F7DxiSrE-TgDFN8Qxe48QUiB4V7CMC5pzX6PuqGPzl_4nIcDtN2bEu2dl5Wrs8rLy-0rYf/s1600/1384243_10151898261368421_1084970003_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2_FavcGkNYQo4GFjlBgTi8qws79whaZ_Hw_WXB88UY3MMf6TMeBaj_sXTpUAMSfELVAd2-F7DxiSrE-TgDFN8Qxe48QUiB4V7CMC5pzX6PuqGPzl_4nIcDtN2bEu2dl5Wrs8rLy-0rYf/s320/1384243_10151898261368421_1084970003_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe gave his sister lots of kisses.</td></tr>
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Everyone says Amelia looks so much like her brother when he was born. I guess I can see that... especially with those big cheeks!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KKPcpAwzf3oEbYoKc5l9nzTw2ZdWTu2UxoERAwNChXqFPKIF2srlDuRNiC29Gljz7i4UybWBfifENhpET_znkBCX-GiriX0n_epaMjG_AiqszxrxrgIOQotPOAhahqF14PZWtGfj8gak/s1600/190714_161430247246166_2011163_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KKPcpAwzf3oEbYoKc5l9nzTw2ZdWTu2UxoERAwNChXqFPKIF2srlDuRNiC29Gljz7i4UybWBfifENhpET_znkBCX-GiriX0n_epaMjG_AiqszxrxrgIOQotPOAhahqF14PZWtGfj8gak/s320/190714_161430247246166_2011163_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joseph Liam when he was born January 6, 2011</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkDztPSSIctwBcBaAAcsAiFI29fFshl9EG6wz2k58DylLaKnE8C903hDuRwHTLGbFQ0T2TBSioRwXSOPFutZTeYuBmQxyU3YTUraJyNAFubi2enwZ9XM8ORRcSm3dsS_qwgJ0R1BYHCf-/s1600/1385472_554785311243989_1907988791_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkDztPSSIctwBcBaAAcsAiFI29fFshl9EG6wz2k58DylLaKnE8C903hDuRwHTLGbFQ0T2TBSioRwXSOPFutZTeYuBmQxyU3YTUraJyNAFubi2enwZ9XM8ORRcSm3dsS_qwgJ0R1BYHCf-/s320/1385472_554785311243989_1907988791_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amelia Rose when she was born October 5, 2013</td></tr>
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Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-11648772236488153122013-08-10T23:20:00.003-07:002013-08-10T23:20:48.979-07:00Free Stuff from Shutterfly!I know it has been a while since I last posted. But I wanted to share this awesome deal! <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/" target="_blank">Shutterfly</a> has a special offer going on for 101 FREE 4x6 prints! Special Offer Code: 101Prints<br />
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Use it today!! And if you are new user, you get an additional 50 FREE 4x6 prints automatically for signing up!!<br />
<br />Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-9145750499318931122013-07-03T23:23:00.001-07:002013-07-03T23:23:17.489-07:00Quitting AgainToday marks the 6th time I have attempted to quit smoking. Yes, some know, I am a frequent smoker. I have no idea what to expect this time around. Will it work? Can I do it? No idea.<br />
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I now have an electronic cigarette and Nicorette gum (4 mg). Let's see how this goes.<br />
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Today was the first evening I gave it a shot. I chew on a piece of gum that was surprising good! I bought a flavored kind of gum that tastes a lot like Wintergreen gum. It burned a little bit, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I just stopped chewing when it burned.<br />
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Travis still smokes. He had a cigarette when I was chewing the gum - and lo and behold, I didn't have a single craving for one. Later in the night, when the gum no longer burned and started to lose flavor, I made a BIG mistake.<br />
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I decided what would one cigarette do? It's like winging myself off, right? Over time, I should crave smoking less and less.... I think. I lit up a cigarette and started puffing.<br />
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OMG!<br />
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Talk about nicotine! I couldn't even smoke the damn thing! I felt so incredibly sick. I tossed out the cigarette and felt like I was going to vomit. Luckily, a friend we were hanging out with tonight rushed and got me a bottled water. I have never enjoyed the taste of water as much as I did tonight.<br />
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So I won't be doing that again! I'm thinking this gum is going to work! And in the car, because I have a habit of smoking - I have my e-cig to help. That is... if I'm not chewing the gum! YIKES!<br />
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OK, you might be wondering why it has taken me 6 times to quit smoking. I'll gladly give you some back story about smoking. When I was a young adolescent, I thought smoking was cool. My relatives had tobacco farms (and still do), and they sell tobacco to Phillip Morris. I grew up around smokers - even though neither of my parents smoked. My grandfather's ex-wife would buy me a carton when I was 12 years old to sneak back home in my luggage. I thought I was so cool. My sister, friends, and I would sneak away on our country property to "hike" or "ride bikes". If someone's parents weren't home, we were "hanging out" or "studying". My parents were not dumb. They could smell it. They would steal our packs and throw them out. But I could always get more. It became a habit to steal my friend's mother's packs. We would sneak around and steal cigarettes from adults that smoked around us. And I still had my connection to my grandpa's ex-wife that bought me cartons.<br />
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We were not smoking every day. It was just something exciting and made us feel like we were grown up. Why we wanted to grow up so fast, I don't know. It didn't become habitual until my friends and I started driving. It was our chance to smoke a cigarette before or after school - and we would hose the interior of the car with perfume or sprays to cover up the smell. <br />
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I quit smoking for the first time when I turned 18 - ironically. I just lost interest in it. I also no longer had my free connections and I didn't want to pay for cigarettes. I had quit cold turkey for 3 years.<br />
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When I turned 21, I was living with my boyfriend and going to college. I was around smokers all the time. I went out to parties and I did what a lot of dumb college kids do - go to bars. I didn't have a problem not smoking until I realized everyone around me smoked. All of my friends were smoking and my boyfriend was smoking, too. My boyfriend told me it was OK to smoke socially - just as long as it didn't become a habit. All of my friends were saying, "One cigarette won't kill ya." So, I caved to fit in, and I started smoking again.<br />
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Quitting #2: I stopped cold turkey after I met my husband. I was pressed for cash, and I didn't feel satisfied with a cigarette anymore. I had no problems - until someone lit up a cigarette and I could smell it. That stage did not last long. I was back to smoking again.<br />
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The third time I quit was when I was 24. I found out about my birth defect when I experienced volvulus. I had to have an upper endoscopy done. During my endoscopy, they found tar in my esophagus. They took pictures and showed it to me. After looking at it and seeing that the tar was my own doing - I felt disgusting. I saw the damage I was doing to myself. Not long after that, I found out I was pregnant. I quit cold turkey for the baby. This time, I had strong cravings for a cigarette. It felt like I was going to tackle someone that smelled like cigarette smoke. Whenever I saw a pack of cigarettes, I was so tempted to take one and light up. When I miscarried, I lost all the care in the whole entire world. I didn't care about the tar. I didn't care about cancer. I didn't care about anything. AT. ALL! I began smoking much more heavily than I ever had before. I was up to a pack and a half every day. Let's just say, my finances were terrible. I was going broke to have a cigarette.<br />
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I quit for the fourth time when I started pulling myself back together. I was 25 years old. I tried doing the electronic cigarette. I was successful for maybe... a month. The electronic cigarette became my "in-between packs" smoke. <br />
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The fifth time was when we moved to Fort Wayne. I was determined to quit. I tried gum. I tried eating more. I tried being active. Nothing could satisfy my craving. Travis tried to quit with me. We relied on the electronic cigarette when we were really having nicotine fits. We were successful for maybe... a few months (3 max). I don't know why or how - but we began smoking again.<br />
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So here I am - at my 6th attempt to quit. I don't like the smell. I don't like the cravings. I don't like how it makes your teeth and nails yellow. I don't like my throat hurting. I don't like the taste. I feel guilty every time I smoke. I hate the stale smell in my car. I hate the trash it leaves behind. I hate it. I've lost so many important people in my life due to cancer from smoking. And it breaks my dad's heart to see me smoke. I hate doing that to him. I also hate the fact that I cannot work a full day without having to run outside for a cigarette. Sure, I like the break - but I hate having to sit out by the smelly dumpster just to get my fix. If I want a career, I can't be running outside all the time to take a puff. It makes me look unreliable when I am not readily available to do my job while I am there. Plus, I get cranky all the time without a cigarette. How can something so small have so much power of my character? How can it control so much of my day? And I really hate being told I smell like a cigarette. I hate having headaches when I go too long without nicotine. I hate how expensive it is. All around - I am just tired of it. And if I want to have children some day - smoking is only going to complicate it. I have enough issues with carrying a baby that I don't need to add anything else to it to make it worse. I need to get my health back in control. I need to quit. I want to quit. I'm hoping this works.Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-73327097612299798342013-07-01T19:47:00.000-07:002013-07-01T19:47:55.538-07:00ReflectionI have done quite a bit of self-reflection since my last post. I realized I had dreams, I had plans, and I was bound and determined to reach them. However, I did not.<br />
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I thought by now, I would have a great career. I thought I would have the house with a white picket fence. I thought I'd at least have one child by now and living happily ever after. Unfortunately, those cards didn't play out, not yet at least.<br />
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I get so over my head with dreams and hopes. It's like I'm forcing the next stage of life to happen. I am forcing the happy ending to start now. I feel like I have been patient long enough. It's been years that we've been struggling. People say I live in a generation of self-entitlement and instant gratification - and you know... they are probably right. But sometimes I can't help but wonder... when is it my time to shine? When will our happily ever after begin?<br />
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I've tried being optimistic and positive. I've tried being proactive, organized, and detailed in everything. I can't say that my discipline hasn't paid off because it has. We are much better off than where we were last year. We are much better off than where we were in January.<br />
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I don't like living with my father-in-law. Living here has built up a lot of depression, anxiety, frustration, and just meanness. Travis and I realized that our problems stem from not being self-sufficient enough to start our new beginning. So I've been very proactive and disciplined towards finding that better job. I'm searching for my new career. And Travis has been very proactive towards finding a better paying job that will allow him to go to college.<br />
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On top of it all, I forgot to just live my life. I'm not living my life for me anymore. I'm living my life for that future house. I'm living my life to pay off the next bill on time. I'm living my life to count the pennies. I'm not LIVING. <br />
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So in the big scheme of things, I have to start being happy and grateful for what I have. I have to stop constantly searching for happiness when I have it right here beside me. I have my adorable cuddly kitty cats. I have a roof over my head. I have enough money to live comfortably. I have a supportive, loving family. I have in-laws that I get along with very well. I have co-workers that I really do enjoy to be around. I have friends that will always be there. I have my health. And most importantly, I have an amazing husband who will always be there for me. He will always support me and my goals. He will always help me. He loves me as much as I love him. He never asks for anything in return. He's always a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. He has a beautiful soul. And not to mention, he has been and will always be my DREAM guy. I am very lucky and blessed to have him in my life. No matter what happens, I will be happy. I will be happy because he is truly genuine. Together, we've been through harder times. We've been through worse. We will get through this stage together.Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-5082740537584591402013-03-09T00:34:00.002-08:002013-03-09T00:34:39.327-08:00Dear BlogSaturday<br />
<br />
After 5 PM<br />
<br />
You & I Have a Date.<br />
<br />
Laundry Will Commence As Well.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
One Busy Working GirlDanser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-20103719158229286062013-02-26T19:12:00.000-08:002013-02-26T19:12:17.737-08:00Home Management Binder Upgraded!<br />
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Yeah, I decided my poor binder was falling apart. It needed an upgrade....</div>
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So I got a new binder and put everything back together.</div>
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**ETA: I got a lot of my pages from Let's Meet for Lunch. Unfortunately, the blogger no longer exists. I was going to post links for you all to get the same stuff, because they are simply awesome. But now, I can't do that. I'm sorry!**</div>
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At first, I was not a fan of these dividers, but they have become super helpful. They are big enough, so they don't get blocked by my pages that are sheet protectors. And they have helped me color code my binder.</div>
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I still have my red pouch that is full.</div>
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I created my own divider pages that fit my personality. Each page has it's own picture & quote that I like that relates to that section. I have these sections in my binder:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQrVJT0r_xKYT5RQPeGM3NyB3dYLS472wFCAgMc90pp2VSrMaoA6PlqysPcuyhFxpt2hEBRQXmYv0xWoOl1ofY1mZ6ZyHsccTXNzWsZdMm3kZvVZKwUGV8endMhxvidyAzqo_UjT31nqb/s1600/photo-70.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQrVJT0r_xKYT5RQPeGM3NyB3dYLS472wFCAgMc90pp2VSrMaoA6PlqysPcuyhFxpt2hEBRQXmYv0xWoOl1ofY1mZ6ZyHsccTXNzWsZdMm3kZvVZKwUGV8endMhxvidyAzqo_UjT31nqb/s320/photo-70.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>1. Calendars (Blue)</b></div>
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<i>"The common man is not concerned about the passage of time, the man of talent is driven by it." - Shoppenhauer</i></div>
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<i>"What may be done at any time will be done at no time." - Scottish Proverb</i></div>
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I found these awesome calendars at <a href="http://CreativeMamma.com/">CreativeMamma.com</a>. </div>
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I also use the Birthday & Anniversary calendar that I found on Let's Meet For Lunch (no longer available).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1dBGdeu5EPGFDHk198USOP68zJz1Z54yJ5H1WylPAUzfPWBS12N5-kSdzgGKsp1Ff-1kVqb6qLmdjPi6_asfo6U6OReuogA2gsgQOuXn0cbWabzIExP3e1F8bmYoaCSixIdfifWRPQ8_/s1600/photo-65.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1dBGdeu5EPGFDHk198USOP68zJz1Z54yJ5H1WylPAUzfPWBS12N5-kSdzgGKsp1Ff-1kVqb6qLmdjPi6_asfo6U6OReuogA2gsgQOuXn0cbWabzIExP3e1F8bmYoaCSixIdfifWRPQ8_/s320/photo-65.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>2. Meal Planning (Purple)</b></div>
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<i>"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." - J.R.R. Tolkien</i></div>
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<i>"We feed the ones we love." - my mama</i></div>
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In this section, I added the freezer inventory & the pantry inventory sheets that I found on Let's Meet for Lunch (no longer available). I put them in page protectors so that I can write on them with dry erase markers & pens. Whenever I update the items on this page, I can just erase them and write what I need to down.</div>
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I also put The Eat Sheet from <a href="http://www.mommytracked.com/downloads" target="_blank">Mommytrackd.com</a> in a page protector as well. This way, when we plan our meals, I can reuse the same page. If there are special ingredients that I notice we don't have in the Inventory pages, I write them down on the Grocery List side. Travis and I normally don't plan breakfast, so it's usually just lunch and dinner that we plan for.</div>
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When I put together my grocery list for the week, I can easily look at my Inventory pages and The Eat Sheet for items that I know I need to get. However, to make sure that I don't forget any important items on my trip (because I like to just in and get out. Hanging out at the grocery store is not something I enjoy.), I refer to the Ultimate Grocery List from <a href="http://www.grocerylists.org/ultimatest/" target="_blank">www.grocerylists.org</a>. It has EVERYTHING on the list, so I can run through the list and know I am not going to forget anything.</div>
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Lastly, I have included a page protector for baseball cards that I picked up at Wal-Mart. This holds any coupons that will expire this month. When I go shopping, I can check to make sure I get items that have a coupon.</div>
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<b>3. Cleaning (Orange)</b></div>
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<i>"I make no secret of the fact that I would rather lie on a sofa than sweep beneath it. But you have to be efficient if you're going to be lazy." - Shirley Conran</i></div>
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<i>"At worst, a house unkept cannot be so distressing as a life unlived." - Rose Macaulay</i></div>
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Here, I have a daily chore list to reference. I got my daily chore list from Let's Meet for Lunch (no longer available). I might make my own some other day (or when we actually buy a house).</div>
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I also included a Deep Cleaning Monthly Schedule from Shabby Princess via <a href="http://twothingsincommon.blogspot.com/2011/08/deep-cleaning-monthly-schedule.html" target="_blank">Two Things in Common</a>. I like it. I have not actually used it here to be completely honest. But, when we get a place of our own, I know I will appreciate this. Who knows, I just might make my own too!</div>
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<b>4. Finances (Green)</b></div>
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<i>"Never ask of money spent / where the spender thinks it well." - Robert Frost</i></div>
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<i>"With parsimony a little is sufficient; without it nothing is sufficient; but frugality make a poor man rich." - Parsimony</i></div>
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This is my life saver. In the folder, I keep scrap paper so that I can organize numbers and quick math (or jotting down numbers to save when I'm hitting away at the calculator). I keep the <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/tools/budget-forms/" target="_blank">Monthly Cash Flow Plan worksheets</a> from Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. I really do use it - a LOT. I'm still not perfect with my budget, but this worksheet helps keep me sane for the most part. I've put these worksheets in page protectors so that I can write our budget on them with a dry erase marker. Every month, I can just erase it and reuse it.</div>
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I also included all of my student loan debt information. I know exactly how much towards each loan is left, what the confirmation numbers and account numbers are, and what the interest is. Based on my current repayment plan, the repayment plans are also printed out and stored here.</div>
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Lastly, Travis and I signed up for an Opt Out Prescreen. We printed a copy for each of us that we keep here. A mortgage loan originator told us this trick to boost up our credit scores a little bit overnight. You know how you get spam mail for credit cards, saying you've been pre-approved? Well, credit companies sell your credit information. YIKES. When they sell that info, it has a small negative impact on your credit score - so small, you can't notice it. If you go online to <a href="http://OptOutPrescreen.com/">OptOutPrescreen.com</a>, you can opt out of your credit information being sold to credit card companies. For some people, it will boost it only 3 or 5 points. Others, it can boost your score up to 10 or 20 points! It can't hurt to try it! The Opt Out request is good for 5 years.</div>
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<b>5. Medical (Yellow)</b></div>
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<i>"A healthy family is sacred territory." - Anonymous</i></div>
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<i>"People who laugh actually live longer than those who don't laugh. Few persons realize that health actually varies according to the amount of laughter." - James J. Walsh</i></div>
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This is where I keep our Basic Medical Information sheets that I got from Let's Meet for Lunch (no longer available). I also keep most recent information in this section - such as Travis's allergy sheet, a sheet I made for all of my medical conditions and when I went to the doctor last. This helps us keep track of when our last appointments were - so we know when we should schedule our next one, or if we get any updates from doctors regarding our health, we can easily keep track for each other.</div>
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<b>6. Pets (Blue)</b></div>
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<i>"A cat has absolute emotional honesty; human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not." - Ernest Hemingway</i></div>
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<i>"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." - Unknown</i></div>
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I keep our Pet Care & Information sheets here that I found on Let's Meet for Lunch (no longer available). If we leave and someone needs to house sit for us or watch our cats, they know everything about our pets that they need to know. I also keep copies of the most recent vaccination in a page protector. That way, if there are any questions as to whether or not my cats have their vaccinations, I can pull out that information easily. The vaccinations also let me know when they are due for their annual check up and next vaccination.</div>
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<b>7. Home Management (Purple)</b></div>
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<i>"Home, let me come home. Home is wherever I'm with you." - Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros "Home"</i></div>
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<i>"It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home." Unknown</i></div>
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I keep Home Maintenance logs here - which includes the serial numbers for all of our expensive pieces. I got these logs from Let's Meet For Lunch (no longer available). When we buy a house, I plan on adding to this section.</div>
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I also keep important documents in this section. Any important cards go into a baseball card protector. If there is ever a fire, this binder will help us out immensely. That is, if we remember to grab it first!</div>
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<b>8. Car Management (Orange)</b></div>
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<i>"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware." - Martin Buber</i></div>
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<i>"No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow." - Lin Yutang</i></div>
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This is where we keep the Car Maintenance logs from Let's Meet for Lunch (no longer available). We also keep our car titles and insurance information here.</div>
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<b>9. Blogging & Planning (Green)</b></div>
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<i>"Never be bullied into silence, never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself." - Harvey Fierstein</i></div>
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<i>"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss</i></div>
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Currently, I only have Planning Notes from <a href="http://www.shophollydays.com/blog/category/party-event-planning/" target="_blank">Holly Days</a> in here. I plan on expanding this section to include blog planning, Pinterest projects to work on, and party planning.</div>
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<b>10. Family Yellow Pages (Yellow)</b></div>
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<i>"Love the people God gave you, because He will need them back one day."</i></div>
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<i>"Friendship is not a matter of distance, but a matter of heart. Family is not a matter of blood, but a matter of loving and loved."</i></div>
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<i>"Distance is not for the fearful, it is for the bold. It's for those who are willing to spend a lot of time alone in exchange for a little time with the one they love. It's for those knowing a good thing when they see it, even if they don't see it nearly enough."</i></div>
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I have the first page dedicated to emergency contacts & important numbers to keep on hand. </div>
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After that, I have the phone numbers and addresses of family and friends. If I ever need to update an address or number, I can just reprint the page they are listed on (since it is based alphabetically). Super easy to keep track of.</div>
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I still have no idea what to use these awesome pockets for. When I saw these at Office Depot, I had to get them. I know I will find out what I could use them for. Any ideas?</div>
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Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-43541608697351571222013-02-26T12:51:00.000-08:002013-02-26T12:51:47.082-08:00Sick DayI have been super busy lately. Sure enough, I got sick. I have been running non-stop, and I haven't been taking very good care of myself. So, I'm in bed, with the sniffles, ear aches, sore throat, cough, slight fever, and really stiff, sore muscles instead of being at work. Even though work has called me non-stop all day, and I have to do a few things on my sick day, I also decided since I'm laying around bored, I should blog!<br />
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I'm updating my <a href="http://dansercheri365.blogspot.com/?view=magazine" target="_blank">365 Day Picture Challenge</a> about once a week. I try to get the week done on Saturday or Sunday. Sometimes, I'm off a little bit. I'm really glad that I've stuck to this project. Then again, we are still early on the 365 Day challenge. Hopefully, I can keep it up diligently.<br />
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I really want to be more disciplined in my posts. You might have noticed a handy little button on the right side of the blog that says "<a href="http://www.atimeforeverything.net/2012/09/31-days-to-better-budget-introduction.html" target="_blank">31 Days to a Better Budget</a>." I keep messing up my budget. Not going to lie, I don't think I have a clue to what I'm doing. But I found <a href="http://www.atimeforeverything.net/p/31-days-to-better-budget.html" target="_blank">this amazing blog</a> - which put creating a budget in realistic terms. One small task each day and at the end of the month, you've created your own personalize budget. The best part is that it is doable. For my next big project, I will master our budget. Starting on March 1st, I will be doing the "<a href="http://www.atimeforeverything.net/p/31-days-to-better-budget.html" target="_blank">31 Days to a Better Budget</a>." Please feel free to join me!<br />
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<a href="http://www.atimeforeverything.net/2012/09/31-days-to-better-budget-introduction.html" title="A Time for Everything"><img alt="A Time for Everything" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/mkaiserman/blog/31Daysbutton150x150.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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In the meantime, I have accomplished a few SIMPLE Pinterest finds. I will be posting those later today! I also fixed up our Home Management Binder (which will be posted today too!!).<br />
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I hate being sick and not at work - but at least I can occupy my time laying in bed with this blog!! :)<br />
<br />Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-89955244769086328882013-02-19T21:13:00.000-08:002013-02-22T21:22:52.110-08:00Big Bug Eyes & Who I Am<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I have to share this story about my daddy. When I was a little girl, I had a huge crush on a boy that I hung out with at recess. I thought he liked me too. Being a little first grader, my heart had never been broken before. One day, that boy made fun of me because I had "big bug eyes". I cried. The next day, I didn't want to go to school. I was embarrassed about my big eyes and most of all, I was</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">hurt. I purposely missed the bus. My dad ended up taking me to school that morning. I cried and begged not to go. My dad asked me what was wrong and I told him what the boy said. My dad said "I fell in love with your mom's big brown eyes. Your eyes are beautiful. Don't let some silly boy tell you otherwise. When you are older and that boy falls in love with your big beautiful eyes, you tell him I am sorry but your eyes are too small. Then you bat your big brown eyes at him and walk away." I never forgot that conversation. Love you daddy.</span></span>
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<a border="0" href="http://www.frommrstomama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYdpYSwmiQwrpHmKGGZIU4Npv7qEPrmsOQoedhHC5JFQoeyj1jUBzo1wOwnwZ6kOpA_2ERKo0ArzdberOl7HinxRGLUCmt427eu1jPw8BeqpVEE09-Rv5s-JWndqZs7yIAf3TaswxrCSM/s1600/Untitled+4.png" /></a></div>
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I have seen a few other bloggers doing this lately. I think it is great. I'm not the best at writing my emotions without offending someone. So I try really hard to keep it all to myself. It's not that I think offensive things... it's just that people don't always understand my point of view and I can't explain it correctly. Well, here's my chance to voice a little bit of what's been on my mind lately.</div>
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My dad is very proud of me. My mother tells me all the time that she doesn't worry about me because she knows I'll figure out a way. My parents believe in me and support me. They think I have a good head on my shoulders, and they know I can accomplish so much with my talents and my drive. I wish I saw myself from their eyes.</div>
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I don't always like myself. I know, not everyone does. But I've battled with it a lot. I feel like a cry baby that whines all the time. I am my worst critic. I will call myself awful names. If I fall behind on anything, I will equate it to my self-worth. I use to see a therapist. She told me I was a clinical perfectionist. If something isn't perfect, I will give up, I quit, I tear myself apart, and my atmosphere greatly affects my feelings and behavior. And you know what - she's right.</div>
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I took Prozac to overcome a lot of emotional turmoil. I'm not on it anymore - but I do wish I continued it. I was a much more pleasant person. I liked myself more. I was more laid back. Honestly, I like me better on Prozac. Doesn't that sound bad? Someone told me it was addictive, but I wonder "is it addictive because I prefer my life to be that way?"</div>
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I used to be such a happy child. I was grossly optimistic about everything. I loved everyone. I made friends everywhere I went. As I got older, that went away. When I was active in church, I was in high school. I always went to church with my family as a whole. I loved it. I felt closer to God. Life was pleasant. Things just seemed to fall into place. I was happy again. I tried to bring church back into my life, but every time I went by myself, it just wasn't the same. So of course, I fell back into my funk.</div>
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Every day, I call myself some awful names. "I'm lazy." "I'm ugly." "I'm mean." "I don't deserve this." "I'm ungrateful." "I'm dumb." "I'm not worth it." "I'm hateful and bitter." "I'd be a terrible mother." "I'm selfish."</div>
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Travis hears me say this. Today, I fell deep into a funk. Every once in a while, I will just wake up, and everything will feel wrong. I will refuse to go outside and be seen. I won't want to talk to anyone. I want to bottle myself up and lock me away. I will sleep until the day passes. That's what happened today.</div>
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I stayed up late trying to find paperwork. I had a dentist appointment at 7:45 AM this morning. Sure enough, I slept right through my alarm this morning. I had a list of things I wanted to get done today - and going to the dentist was number 1. You want to know how many things on my To-Do List that I actually accomplished today? ZERO.</div>
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I missed the dentist appointment. "OMG, Liz, you are so unreliable. Why would anyone want to hire you for a good paying job?" Boom. I skipped going to a company that has my dream job available. I already sent a resume to them, but I wanted to go in and introduce myself and present a portfolio of my work. I stayed in bed instead. I looked at my portfolio and pointed out everything that is wrong with it. I tossed it aside. It wasn't good enough to give out to someone looking to hire. I was going to go to the zoo to volunteer today. Did I do that? Nope. I got up out of bed, looked at the time. I had about 3 hours until the office closed. "You are so slow, you can't get ready in that time and get there in enough time to get anything done. Way to go for ruining the day!"</div>
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I didn't go. I looked at myself in the mirror and called myself mean names. I looked around our room - which needs some serious attention right now since Travis and I have been working non-stop. It's a mess. I felt like a terrible wife. Here I sit, sulking, and Travis is at work busting his butt to make a decent paycheck. He can't do it all. So automatically, I hate myself for not helping it out like I should. I'm not a good wife. I don't deserve him.</div>
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Travis called me to talk during one of his breaks. I told him I'm having one of my bad days. He talked to me, saying it was all ok. The company has my resume. I can turn my portfolio in next week and fix it up how I want it until then. It was no big deal. He said, "oh wow, you missed a dentist appointment! Who cares? It happens. Just reschedule it. Yeah sure we just lost $25. But oh well, you didn't mean to!" I told him how I couldn't get up to even go out to the zoo. He said "It's VOLUNTEERING! They said you can go in whenever you want. You made your own deadlines and schedules. It's not that big of a deal! Just go in on another day." (I found out later that no one was even in the office today anyways because of an event.) I told him about how I felt like I can't accomplish anything. Our room is a disaster and I'm just messing things up. He told me to just do some laundry and relax. I'm burnt out. He then invited me to dinner when he went on break just so I could get out of the house.</div>
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I'm lucky to have Travis who understands me. But I haven't told my parents any of this. I dodge their questions when they bring anything up. I don't want them to think less of me. I know that they won't. I just feel like I owe it to them to be a good daughter - a daughter to be proud of. Right now, I'm not too proud of myself - so why should they be? </div>
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I have these terrible funks. I know I don't broadcast my downfalls. I only try to post the happy stuff. I only try to post the pleasant things in life because I don't want to recognize these bad moments I have. I don't want to be a whiner. I don't know how to overcome this. The answers seem so easy and simple. Just get up and do what you have to do. Don't think. Just do it. But some days, I can't and I don't know why.<br />
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<i>**ETA: I should clarify so that no one takes this out of context. When Travis told me to do some laundry, it's because he knows doing laundry puts me in a better mood. I don't know why, but I enjoy it. It also needed to get done anyways. And since our room is a disaster and it's mostly clothes, he knows that our room being a mess is affecting my behavior. If I, myself, get up and make it better - it puts me in a happier mood. He was not trying to domestic me or be chauvinistic in any way.**</i></div>
Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-43900462651810678402013-02-08T16:00:00.001-08:002013-02-08T16:00:35.429-08:00Getting Busy & Rockin' Out!<br />
Hey all! I'm just writing this post to inform you that I have not forgotten about this blog! I have a lot of projects coming up, events to plan and put together, as well as volunteering obligations that are pulling me away. I will be posting, but not as much between now and April. <br />
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So for now, I want to share an event that I put together with the general manager of the hotel. For only having 2 weeks to plan and get the word out (and having NO marketing/advertising budget whatsoever), we had an amazing turn out! Not to mention, Travis and I were able to hang out with the band AND hold a Grammy award! It just so happens that the band had so much fun, they plan on making this an annual event! YAY!<br />
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**More pictures will be posted later on our 365 Day Picture Challenge!**</div>
<br />Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-65274998799219968962013-02-04T21:51:00.001-08:002013-02-04T21:51:33.113-08:00Baby Fever Is Back<br />
These past couple of days have been such a blast. On Sunday, Travis and I went to his boss's Superbowl party. I knew no one. I was super nervous about meeting my husband's bosses wives. I was hoping to make a good impression. Needless to say, all of the wives I met were incredibly sweet and I talked with them non-stop. I met two ladies who both had a baby less than a year old. They were so adorable. Both babies were really good, too. Neither cried or threw a fit the entire night. I got to play with the babies and talk to the moms about mommy things. Neither of them looked at me or spoke to me like I was.... dumb.<br />
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Most mothers I know tell me that I don't have a clue what it is like to be a mom. They will complain about motherhood, they will search for advice - but not from me. They will solicit advice to me that I never asked for. I do appreciate their good intentions, but sometimes, I can't help but feel like they think I'm stupid.<br />
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Previously, I talked about how I couldn't talk about pregnancy with my friends. They knew I had gone through a miscarriage, and I felt like I couldn't join in the conversation. It almost felt like I was outcasted because I don't have a baby. I couldn't even talk about my pregnancy with them. I just didn't feel like I belonged. It was as if I was the big pink elephant in the room that you can't ignore, no matter how much you wanted to.<br />
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When I spent the evening talking with these mothers - I never once felt like an outcast. They talked without inhibitions about their pregnancy. They embraced the questions that I had and the experiences I have had. They respected that Travis and I were waiting - even though I have baby on the brain like crazy. I was never judged or felt like I was being judged. They were completely accepting, and I didn't feel the way I did with my friends. I had a great evening! I think I will be talking with these ladies much more often.<br />
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Today, I spent the day with my mother-in-law Becky helping put together the Welcome Home party we were planning for my sister-in-law Amber. Amber has been in Germany. You can check out my 365 Day Picture Challenge blog for the post about her party.<br />
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As we were out shopping, I kept flocking to the baby stuff. I couldn't help myself. I catch myself looking for baby items all the time. Becky laughed and asked me if there was something she needed to know. Of course not - we are not expecting. I'm just longing for a baby super bad. Becky joked with Travis saying that we'll be having a baby soon. <br />
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At the party, the whole family was together. I love those days. I love my in-laws. We use to spend every Sunday at Becky's house with all of Travis's brothers and sisters and our nephew. I told them how much I had missed it since we've been working a lot and we haven't had the opportunity to visit in over a month. Travis said, "You know you can go over to my mom's place any time you want!" And he's right. I can. And I would love that. I think I should do that more.<br />
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When we were all together, of course our nephew had everyone's attention. He's a doll, and he loves to entertain. Becky made a little comment saying, "Travis and Liz will be next!" Everyone looked at me, expecting for a follow up of me saying I'm pregnant. Travis remarked on all the looks, saying, "Thanks mom, now everyone is going to talk." Haha - it was all in good fun. Becky responded that I've been all over the baby stuff lately - it's just going to happen sooner than we plan. ::shrug:: Maybe she's right. But maybe I can put off my longing for a little while longer until I know for sure that Travis and I will be ok to take on a beautiful little baby (that looks just like Travis :P ).<br />
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I know it seems crazy, but I already have ideas for a nursery. We already have baby names picked out. I just can't seem to help myself. It's a Baby Fever I've caught! It's only going to get worse, I know. So, why not share my Baby Fever with my blog friends. I like you guys. <br />
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Baby Names:<br />
I've always had an obsession with 2 middle names. I don't know why I love it so much. But Travis is cool with it, so our kids will have 2 middle names. We agreed that the first name has to be a name that we both agree on. If it is a boy, the first middle name will be Travis's choice. If it is a girl, the first middle name will be my choice. The second middle name will be the other's choice. And I love names that have tradition and meaning.<br />
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For a boy, we've chosen the name Nathaniel Robert Dean W..... Nathaniel is Hebrew meaning "Gift of God." We like it because our child could go by Nathaniel, Nathan, Nate, or even Neil. Plus, the name is a solid, strong name for when he is an adult. Travis chose Robert because that is his middle name. Robert is also Travis's father's middle name. And Robert is Travis's grandfather's name. It's a good family name to pass down. Robert means "bright fame." I chose Dean for the second middle name because it is my father's middle name. It isn't a name you hear often. Not only do I think of my dad, but I also think of a legendary icon - James Dean. When Travis and I met, we realized we had the exact same poster of James Dean. Dean Martin is also a legendary member of the "Rat Pack" - which Travis and I find so fascinating. Dean means "Valley" - which isn't really much of a meaning.<br />
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For a girl, we've chosen the name Shelby Ann Barbara W..... I've always been in love with the name Shelby, and Travis thought it was a good fit with our last name. I chose the middle name Ann because it is my middle name. Back in the day, my grandmother and her sister decided to start a tradition. My grandmother named her first daughter Charlotte Ann (my mother). My great-aunt named her first daughter Sherry Ann. My mom had me - Elizabeth Ann. Sherry had Kelsey Ann. To keep with the tradition, I will be using the middle name Ann. Shelby is also a perfect fit because it sounds similar to Charlotte and Sherry. Travis chose the middle name Barbara after his grandmother who passed away with Lou Gerigg's. She was such a loving, beautiful, strong willed woman. She had a good hand in raising Travis to be the man he is today. Shelby means "sheltered town." Ann means "Graceful." Barbara means "Stranger." If you jumble the meanings around, Shelby Ann Barbara could say: A graceful stranger in a sheltered town. I love it.<br />
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I find gray walls in nurseries to be so appealing. I love how they make a room look large and comfy, and all bright colors in the room just pop. I want my child's room to be bright - but not nauseatingly bright. I think gray walls, white trim, and white furniture would look perfect for a nursery. I know if we have a girl, Travis is just going to have to deal with pink. I have so many stuffed animals and ballerina decor from when I was a little girl. My daughter will have a ballerina themed nursery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CR-i3-OEw2ci1CRcGZRPmn0XyxuuRdpoiS7MiCDWWuv_Mpecx9iXomrjj0n4aIJmYjuyi7qXHkbXIFyUReeSwz7aZOLWFCfwZcUn-88530fglyAv5CvYZJJzRmueQ1IRlwa7OyClpFkD/s1600/pink-and-gray-nursery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CR-i3-OEw2ci1CRcGZRPmn0XyxuuRdpoiS7MiCDWWuv_Mpecx9iXomrjj0n4aIJmYjuyi7qXHkbXIFyUReeSwz7aZOLWFCfwZcUn-88530fglyAv5CvYZJJzRmueQ1IRlwa7OyClpFkD/s320/pink-and-gray-nursery.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Less white and add ballerinas - it would be perfect.<br /><a href="http://blogs.babble.com/being-pregnant/2012/09/03/project-nursery-15-nurseries-worth-swoonin-over/" target="_blank">babble</a></td></tr>
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For a boy, I just want bright colors. I love how bright blue and orange look against gray. When I found this picture, it became my inspiration. Travis is such a nature, out-doorsy person. It would only be suiting to our son to have that sort of theme for his room, too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtxTTwFn1DIYT3idbaRgZL4TpfH2dnyh5azpqlImDz4FhmCMQBXBZNq4dxorckSvZDBTffc85xRs9zoqpH97z7DMzUZEHJD8MyeZ5nNpZrMNiEcvXfLmKbtQwQzOWT6iKcKnGow8qvlDY/s1600/DSC_00041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtxTTwFn1DIYT3idbaRgZL4TpfH2dnyh5azpqlImDz4FhmCMQBXBZNq4dxorckSvZDBTffc85xRs9zoqpH97z7DMzUZEHJD8MyeZ5nNpZrMNiEcvXfLmKbtQwQzOWT6iKcKnGow8qvlDY/s320/DSC_00041.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it has little blue birds too! It matches my blog!<br /><a href="http://birdhousefamily.blogspot.com/2012/07/nursery-inspiration.html" target="_blank">Birdhouse</a></td></tr>
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A girl can dream....<br />
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<br />Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-21415590721687849222013-02-03T12:53:00.000-08:002013-02-03T12:53:48.494-08:00Cheap Kitty Litter!I cannot believe it. I hit up so many discounts today during our shopping trip. But here's the best thing we got!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2kRiICEXmya8aiTDW7KDAqL3cIO2Rw20gNwUT_reEBSkE3Y3SNF67EqVN2RiK_aBsg-1C45dVYgUP6TWx9bvkpsuaE256QvEHEcNZgO7AnA6G4hHz_dxdq9OAPG29gXZB_guSlQc2GYv/s1600/photo-30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2kRiICEXmya8aiTDW7KDAqL3cIO2Rw20gNwUT_reEBSkE3Y3SNF67EqVN2RiK_aBsg-1C45dVYgUP6TWx9bvkpsuaE256QvEHEcNZgO7AnA6G4hHz_dxdq9OAPG29gXZB_guSlQc2GYv/s320/photo-30.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitty litter that's 100% usable - just in crappy boxes.</td></tr>
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Kitty Litter.<br />
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I usually budget $40/month for cat food, kitty litter, and flea & tick medicine for two cats. Kitty litter can be pretty expensive. However, Travis was able to pick up 4 boxes of Arm & Hammer kitty litter for only....<br />
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$4.99!<br />
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SAY WHAT?!<br />
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Obviously, the boxes are all ripped to hell. They've been taped together. Because of that, it cannot be sold on shelves. It just got destroyed in transit. So Travis spoke up & bought them. It's going to take a long time to get through all of these boxes of kitty litter!<br />
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So next time you are out shopping and you see anyone stocking the shelves or unloading the trucks, keep your eyes open for products that could be "unsellable" because of damage or defects. If the product is still good, you can get a super nice deal just by speaking up and saying you'll buy it anyways! Don't be shy!Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-22784630198573669172013-02-02T23:40:00.003-08:002013-02-02T23:50:01.132-08:00What's in My Purse?<br />
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So, I was going to write a blog post about our monthly budgeting system - but my Home Management binder broke. I'm so sad about that. I have to get a new one, and I've decided to upgrade it a little bit. I'll get back on with our monthly budget after I put it back together. Our monthly budget and weekly budget are done - I just can't bring myself to show you pictures of the mess. Everything is literally... <i>EVERYWHERE</i>. And quite honestly, I don't even want to look at it at the moment.</div>
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Instead, I've been cleaning and organizing my purse. Last year, Travis bought me this awesome planner that became my Bible. It went everywhere with me. I loved it. The only negative thing about it was that it was too big for my purse. I always had to carry it separate. I didn't want to part ways with it. However, Travis told me that my Valentine's Day/Anniversary gift can be a new planner designed how I want it. EEK!!!</div>
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After reading the <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2013/01/budget-planner.html" target="_blank">Budget Planner on A Bowl Full of Lemons</a>, I had to compare Filofax with Day-Timer. I actually preferred Filofax because of the variety of sizes, and you can tailor your planner with a variety of different pages and fillers. Plus, for $4, you can get the post-its and markers (which I am guessing I could refill on my own if I run out).</div>
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Here is my purse.</div>
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I love my purse because my dad bought it for me for Christmas. He had paid attention to something I said that was just a fleeting thought. During Thanksgiving, I made a little comment about my purse falling apart. My dad caught that and went and picked out a purse for me! I love my dad! And I love the style he picked out. My mom was with him, but she said she let him pick it out. He wants to be more involved in my life and my sister's life. He just feels like he doesn't understand "girl talk." Well, dad, sometimes guys know exactly what we want! My dad did a good job. And now I cannot part with my purse.</div>
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The color of my purse is different. It's like a brown... with black and gold on it. And I love the texture of it. So I tried to find a planner on Filofax that was on sale (60% off!!!) and matched as close as possible to my purse. I also didn't want to spend TOO much on it. I chose the <a href="http://www.filofaxusa.com/store/organiserdetails.asp?rangeId=174&sizeId=3&dsizeId=3&spId=1283" target="_blank">Dakota Personal in Black</a>. I tailored it to add the <a href="http://www.filofaxusa.com/store/paperessentialsdetails.asp?productId=524" target="_blank">Assorted Sticky Notes - Personal</a> and since my choice did not include a Finance section, I added the <a href="http://www.filofaxusa.com/store/paperessentialsdetails.asp?productId=524" target="_blank">Personal Finances Section</a>. I definitely have plans for this little planner. I can't wait for it to arrive! Stay tuned when I post about our weekly budgeting system and how I organize my planners to fit my life.</div>
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Back to my purse.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGXqd9UKGiKVePaOu8vRdFYhGpAiox0Rz4DBKKOkMzhPa_drN2WZV6woGgxgurC8271tQnFy54eLNS73QJ03Cx6bEhD7elkM_zADFFitLPbhUY1fqlDhtuTwLSTLNhgrmhRLXAzX40INg/s1600/photo-19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGXqd9UKGiKVePaOu8vRdFYhGpAiox0Rz4DBKKOkMzhPa_drN2WZV6woGgxgurC8271tQnFy54eLNS73QJ03Cx6bEhD7elkM_zADFFitLPbhUY1fqlDhtuTwLSTLNhgrmhRLXAzX40INg/s320/photo-19.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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Can you <i>guess</i> what I have??</div>
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This is what I always keep in my purse. They say you can learn a lot about a woman by what she keeps in her purse. Let's see what we learn about me!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRLccYpIRNiJiKzjUdDAWVMpkqj1BOOMKn63Ib0ETCR6n5JJ1nyhDWPdB6VVWIF1Itz5uxOR63GDcr9N_Cs_c60vWPQGG0E-pIZJkmEXyZpFBp8vsMIgNZ1We_MkTTQK8s_hBpVIxrTwY/s1600/photo-27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRLccYpIRNiJiKzjUdDAWVMpkqj1BOOMKn63Ib0ETCR6n5JJ1nyhDWPdB6VVWIF1Itz5uxOR63GDcr9N_Cs_c60vWPQGG0E-pIZJkmEXyZpFBp8vsMIgNZ1We_MkTTQK8s_hBpVIxrTwY/s320/photo-27.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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The endless pit.</div>
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Of course, we can start off with my <b><i>wallet</i></b>. We don't have to look in there. ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gAhRULQ_mjKNHYS5ieF-9I64LggOXJcc99uz9MrFB5UHWAmlN71hh_koLzWnyZkpmoW3qmaQb6WQqXz99QQwJPpTQZiCbkk2qXIruEjk3PksliNNo5jEO4aPjV1pqpLHjlHoh0dCiwjL/s1600/photo-20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gAhRULQ_mjKNHYS5ieF-9I64LggOXJcc99uz9MrFB5UHWAmlN71hh_koLzWnyZkpmoW3qmaQb6WQqXz99QQwJPpTQZiCbkk2qXIruEjk3PksliNNo5jEO4aPjV1pqpLHjlHoh0dCiwjL/s320/photo-20.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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Hi wallet!!</div>
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Next, I have my <b><i>weekly/monthly planner</i></b>. This planner is strictly for me. It keeps records of all of my projects at work, my appointments, my bills, my To-Do list at work, at the zoo, and at home. It's my life. I get scatterbrained sometimes, so I have to have it all detailed. I also keep a <b><i>Rolodex business card wallet</i></b>. That's all it has in it - business cards. I usually keep that for networking and for work purposes. Always trade business cards when you can!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGAbjQg761WFtsSQ_1A0VYkoN9zg6FD5CqxRWqu515uuWecamVBotT4Q9cD0g_lX8IHeuU8Jy4GkHwcOm7L4Hrz0-fsjIOQjsSwDWSnQo_6I2UJvZO4d0uWtJyORDj7PaJwMBi9EqDvzZ/s1600/photo-17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGAbjQg761WFtsSQ_1A0VYkoN9zg6FD5CqxRWqu515uuWecamVBotT4Q9cD0g_lX8IHeuU8Jy4GkHwcOm7L4Hrz0-fsjIOQjsSwDWSnQo_6I2UJvZO4d0uWtJyORDj7PaJwMBi9EqDvzZ/s320/photo-17.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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These things help me not get lost in a busy life.</div>
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The little snowman <i><b>notepad</b></i> is for all of my silly notes to myself. Usually, it's used for shopping so that I don't forget the little things. Or if I have to quickly jot down a number, name, or address - it goes there. I always go through my notes. If it involves shopping, I put it in the <i><b>"Shopping Envelop.</b></i>" We write how much we budget on the front of the envelop. Whenever I am out and about, I can stop and pick up any items we need. It keeps it all organized and easy to find.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMsbjL83L_IjYwiEUejhy52DWzTX1Y2pH3Kx5JlIe2d-E13x_zEeqaB7Y1vYEUwc_GGYdNtKDYMIi89rQTxXGNNDn57RSGXGBgesIF_8pfIau8rmTyAKxlP90eSHslUqCD_SZ2GqzwWVn/s1600/photo-22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMsbjL83L_IjYwiEUejhy52DWzTX1Y2pH3Kx5JlIe2d-E13x_zEeqaB7Y1vYEUwc_GGYdNtKDYMIi89rQTxXGNNDn57RSGXGBgesIF_8pfIau8rmTyAKxlP90eSHslUqCD_SZ2GqzwWVn/s320/photo-22.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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My notepad and shopping envelop.</div>
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I am obsessed with body spray and perfume. Unfortunately, my husband is allergic to stronger perfumes, so I can't spray myself until I am outside. I keep a <i><b>perfume/body spray</b></i> in the console of my car and I keep one in my purse. Right now, I have 2 because the Japanese Cherry Blossom is almost empty. My back up is Love Spell - which I got for Christmas! I also keep <b><i>chapsticks and lip gloss</i></b> in my purse at all times. I had to throw away my favorite chapstick because it was nasty. I never use chapstick enough to use an entire tube thing of it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyxWd0Jx7QtZSTHQNF4yCfZZ2khS6qTKHQmOn73nf2xXTmqTHlzJcIURU9MuJAd96lYq5Lje7_ao5pEQ-4Vdn95Fdhyphenhyphenl2cg6ETp-E_6FssVmaWykoaYcI6i84YTn2A38Y47Y0jB_P6tJA/s1600/photo-29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyxWd0Jx7QtZSTHQNF4yCfZZ2khS6qTKHQmOn73nf2xXTmqTHlzJcIURU9MuJAd96lYq5Lje7_ao5pEQ-4Vdn95Fdhyphenhyphenl2cg6ETp-E_6FssVmaWykoaYcI6i84YTn2A38Y47Y0jB_P6tJA/s320/photo-29.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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I smell pretty... oh so pretty...</div>
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I always keep <b><i>tissues </i></b>with me - especially during the winter. I hate runny noses!! I also have my <b><i>paycheck</i></b>, since my employer does not offer direct deposit. I always keep a <i><b>cheap calculator</b></i> (from Dollar Tree!) and <b><i>pens</i></b>. And yes, that green pen<i> IS</i> in fact a pen with pictures and quotes from 'A Christmas Story'.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRAsfiRT8zIRbweRrHIZlDuLjnJ_koR3POa-hSPimUcwv0cjGuUFr1fAt69gBRkD7U85TWY_9nfgzJjyQwS8i8ozq3sHUGfXD4Hr6grSWc-3h-sWBsYdFzWWVUV8Ky2CqkS0mPHNKmgAX/s1600/photo-24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRAsfiRT8zIRbweRrHIZlDuLjnJ_koR3POa-hSPimUcwv0cjGuUFr1fAt69gBRkD7U85TWY_9nfgzJjyQwS8i8ozq3sHUGfXD4Hr6grSWc-3h-sWBsYdFzWWVUV8Ky2CqkS0mPHNKmgAX/s320/photo-24.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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My pen says, "Fra-gee-lay, it must be Italian."</div>
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This always cracks me up. It's like a pocket in my purse that says, "NERD and GHETTO REDNECK CHICK" all in one!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zEn9sUf55XVJiaO6X2fvoJZ7mmYJJbn1FUzycfS5gRSDIEb75NxVo3tamWRHqIjcn4tHKZqTrDJfNS-1s5pNTMY6daqfkj3PF85XSi33AuGz5yD1ipzv5gPfw1cIyKCwwXR9xI5Imxra/s1600/photo-26+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zEn9sUf55XVJiaO6X2fvoJZ7mmYJJbn1FUzycfS5gRSDIEb75NxVo3tamWRHqIjcn4tHKZqTrDJfNS-1s5pNTMY6daqfkj3PF85XSi33AuGz5yD1ipzv5gPfw1cIyKCwwXR9xI5Imxra/s320/photo-26+copy.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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Nerd & Ghetto Redneck Chick pocket</div>
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I carry a <i><b>pocket knife </b></i>with me everywhere I go. It's super helpful! If I had to use it for self-defense, I highly doubt I would actually use it. I keep it for more handy stuff that randomly occurs. Everyone is always shocked that I have a pocket knife.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqlNiUvTf5jd8VbzIvHnuZmhzawl7wGfMNNf5tagNcxUsl29VcTju1K6gTQBJvHiQYmrCCN7lGegk59nOV9ePgJEk0Q25ej-fI4MVSP-bRBKxuS43iQfob5C742lo98wQ1iRKVVh1RdKD/s1600/photo-23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqlNiUvTf5jd8VbzIvHnuZmhzawl7wGfMNNf5tagNcxUsl29VcTju1K6gTQBJvHiQYmrCCN7lGegk59nOV9ePgJEk0Q25ej-fI4MVSP-bRBKxuS43iQfob5C742lo98wQ1iRKVVh1RdKD/s320/photo-23.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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It used to have a faceplate on the other side, but it broke off.</div>
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It was red and said "Country Girl" on it.</div>
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Got this beaut in Gatlinburg, TN.</div>
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Every woman needs to have the secret pocket. I carry my bathroom in this pocket. No joke, <i><b>tampons</b></i>, <b><i>feminine wipes</i></b> (seriously, I'd rather use those suckers than go into a bathroom stall without toilet paper!), and LOTS of <b><i>Midol</i></b>. Guys will stop rummaging through my purse to "see what I have" when they hit this pocket. It's like magic. You have cash? Keep it in that pocket. I highly doubt any dude will dig for it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKEuriRcjw6crfUqk-aGO4xrCy-vv-WSCQgAhjU5xkM2rAf3UWZoFZbjlO-tr99bODpxvIcTCErKfgfaEAwiuIrPuf0z8wd055FXAZSgEJ-zqIUxue2UAmPwZTym6mH3NdZuF1VGSo1wz/s1600/photo-25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKEuriRcjw6crfUqk-aGO4xrCy-vv-WSCQgAhjU5xkM2rAf3UWZoFZbjlO-tr99bODpxvIcTCErKfgfaEAwiuIrPuf0z8wd055FXAZSgEJ-zqIUxue2UAmPwZTym6mH3NdZuF1VGSo1wz/s320/photo-25.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">It's like Kryptonite for men!</span></span></span></div>
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Last but not least, the front pocket.</div>
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My front pocket is only used for <i><b>headphones</b></i>, <i><b>a spare lighter</b></i>, and my <i><b>cell phones</b></i>. I have 2. This blue dinosaur phone is mine. My iPhone is my work phone - which doubles as my awesome camera - so it isn't in the picture.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikehxMS-3i_KgSbPmWfZJbNl8EPtvj0K6cJ3XGjRnfeTmoKVd9Zp2tmaAcT_HlEiNgMg2eogu_eIOaNxOijRdxX0od_gI8c1j_EV54hc7ZwTG6x0x_8RNyiRLzI6_HVKmRyRpyQ7w-wEF-/s1600/photo-28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikehxMS-3i_KgSbPmWfZJbNl8EPtvj0K6cJ3XGjRnfeTmoKVd9Zp2tmaAcT_HlEiNgMg2eogu_eIOaNxOijRdxX0od_gI8c1j_EV54hc7ZwTG6x0x_8RNyiRLzI6_HVKmRyRpyQ7w-wEF-/s320/photo-28.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The front pocket accessories.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
iPhone not pictured.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
And that's all folks.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
So here's a comprehensive list of all the stuff I have in my purse every day:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Wallet</li>
<li>Personal Planner for me only</li>
<li>Business Card Wallet</li>
<li>Mini-Notepad</li>
<li>Shopping Envelop</li>
<li>Perfume/Body Spray</li>
<li>Chapstick & Lip Glosses</li>
<li>Tissues</li>
<li>Paycheck</li>
<li>Calculator</li>
<li>Pens</li>
<li>Pocket Knife</li>
<li>Feminine Products</li>
<li>Headphones</li>
<li>Spare Lighter</li>
<li>Cell Phones</li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I carry a lot of junk. Haha!</div>
<div>
<br />
ETA: I forgot to mention that in the first picture, you can see a stack of papers with a rubber band around it. That's for work. It's temporary. I have to get labels laminated somewhere. So I just ignored that.</div>
Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-83101352020546070272013-01-29T15:55:00.000-08:002013-01-30T17:00:56.801-08:00The Perfect House(s)I don't think we have ever come across a house that we both agree is perfect. Travis and I have been casually looking at houses to see what's available in our price range. We could be homeowners in March. Or, we can wait, boost our credit and gain more in savings and potentially qualifying for a little more if we wait until fall. So we've been looking to get an idea of what we want to do. It's become a nice little date night for us. We get something super cheap to eat and drive around together. We talk about what we like and don't like - and sometimes we'll act like we already own the house - just to see what it would feel like for a brief moment. We talk about our future, and we dream together.<br />
<br />
As we have been casually looking around, we found 2 houses that we just fell in love with. Terrible timing! We shouldn't have started looking! I knew this would happen!<br />
<br />
These houses have been on the market for a while. I'm saddened by the thought that these houses might not be on the market anymore when we are ready to make an offer. But at least we got to see them.<br />
<br />
Here's our #1 pick:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoN6iC1oYiVhwCwnrnE2RWJHigehbclTVWkMM7MhnVaVTsp0PRi2wxWRSuN-8nfSXyJ6r4mbiT7uSE0dcODUFo2R5rfkitxCQJs9B3ZRW6wm_Aq-npzRxXLVUoYv5LoKxxQjqp8Ux-1YGX/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-01-29+at+6.51.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoN6iC1oYiVhwCwnrnE2RWJHigehbclTVWkMM7MhnVaVTsp0PRi2wxWRSuN-8nfSXyJ6r4mbiT7uSE0dcODUFo2R5rfkitxCQJs9B3ZRW6wm_Aq-npzRxXLVUoYv5LoKxxQjqp8Ux-1YGX/s320/Screen+shot+2013-01-29+at+6.51.54+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No one buy it - PLEASE!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Here's our #2 pick:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxOBwrWy69kgGnZ2G4jzL5-eQBqD655E40b60MHR6aGjg5LW1o_00-uoBr9d9a09Y989QtM3MXEtVT8zFxtSwNaEbq4qShu6mKlYOAc7uI5isqwamnj7VNIMKBeVrwDq8UbyYEOR1_7Bu/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-01-29+at+6.53.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxOBwrWy69kgGnZ2G4jzL5-eQBqD655E40b60MHR6aGjg5LW1o_00-uoBr9d9a09Y989QtM3MXEtVT8zFxtSwNaEbq4qShu6mKlYOAc7uI5isqwamnj7VNIMKBeVrwDq8UbyYEOR1_7Bu/s320/Screen+shot+2013-01-29+at+6.53.34+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now I feel heartbroken. I'm not looking at any houses anymore. I'm just going to end up sulking because we didn't get it.<br />
<br />
When you were house-hunting, when did you start looking at houses on the market? Did you miss out on a house that you really wanted? <br />
<br />
**ETA: So we found out today that we do not want House #2 because it is a Short Sale.**Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-12940118109162063072013-01-27T23:56:00.000-08:002013-01-28T22:00:01.794-08:00Always Keep Track of Everything - Update!It's super important to keep track of everything. Whenever you make a payment, it is always best to either write on the bill when you paid it, how you paid it, and if you spoke to anyone about your bill, the person's name. It's also super important that anything you pay online, you get a copy of your payment, print it out, make sure it says how you paid it, and again: if you spoke to anyone, their name. And it's always important to file everything - from your bills to your bank statements - and have it filed in a way that you can easily find things.<br />
<br />
I have had collectors call me in the past and try to convince me that I did not pay a bill. All I had to do was go into that file, find the bill, and I could tell them "I paid it on this day, with this check/credit card, and I spoke to Joe on this other date." They would fumble and say, "we'll note this on your file!" If I didn't have that, they would probably try to persuade me into paying extra.<br />
<br />
One collector in the past tried to tell me that I didn't pay a bill. I did. The debt was 100% paid off. They kept calling, kept harassing me, and I kept telling them no. For months, they bothered me. AND, they continued to hit my credit. Then, they sent me a letter saying that if I didn't pay a certain amount, they were taking me to court on December 4, 2011. Needless to say, I paid them. It is terrible to get summoned for a collection debt. That will hit your credit super hard. They were wrong. In 2012, they were audited. They had to fix my credit score from the damage they did to it, and they were required to give me back the extra amount I paid.<br />
<i>Which reminds me that I need to send a copy of the letter to Kari....</i><br />
<br />
Always keep track of everything. It is so easy now with online payments and automatic withdraws for companies and collectors to get sticky fingers. Which is what I experienced today!<br />
<br />
I have not been late on my student loan payments. I have always paid on time. Since we are trying to boost our credit, we never wanted to run the risk of being late on a payment. I set up automatic withdraws for my monthly payments. I thought that my bills would be paid on time.... Apparently not.<br />
<br />
Last Thursday, I checked my student loans online. I owed $283. I noticed that there were no pending payments listed. Worried, I tried to pay the bill anyways. A notice came up saying that since I was signed up for automatic withdraws, any amount I paid would be ADDITIONAL. Currently, I do not want to pay anything additional. So I assumed that the payment would go through on it's due date (today).<br />
<br />
I went back to the online bill pay for my student loans to find a lovely notice saying I was past due!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafGywjJmlzP222OQ9_bg3BTR5cNgYsoyotnGtQNFjkfnp_8yU7C1JC10Kn56l1DQiSUmzjaUtsNoB41E2fO1tuQFDARvOKSlhX_Dq_C-8D4Q4jTqQqNv3X9TQa8agcw-cbv4_RKZRsF7i/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-01-28+at+1.44.39+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafGywjJmlzP222OQ9_bg3BTR5cNgYsoyotnGtQNFjkfnp_8yU7C1JC10Kn56l1DQiSUmzjaUtsNoB41E2fO1tuQFDARvOKSlhX_Dq_C-8D4Q4jTqQqNv3X9TQa8agcw-cbv4_RKZRsF7i/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-01-28+at+1.44.39+AM.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Say What??</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
HOW can someone on automatic payment withdraws be past due?? I tried to pay it, but again, I got a notice saying that since I am currently set up with automatic withdraws, it would be additional. Now, how in the world am I supposed to pay this bill? I decided what the heck, I'll just ask to be reimbursed the additional amount. Then I was presented with this lovely message:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWyEpxGjiWgjjaoSNUHxuQs2cgq6ZPTAT55R6PHCYgZPPukKB3MQ0hUfaI3p8L9s58QyjcsR3y1Z5ZVmPobELDrh5-YjbroBw-qEQ1OuKbxPF6Qqj8Or_mNn4nGRXBDUllp_YprzSl4Na/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-01-28+at+1.51.12+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWyEpxGjiWgjjaoSNUHxuQs2cgq6ZPTAT55R6PHCYgZPPukKB3MQ0hUfaI3p8L9s58QyjcsR3y1Z5ZVmPobELDrh5-YjbroBw-qEQ1OuKbxPF6Qqj8Or_mNn4nGRXBDUllp_YprzSl4Na/s400/Screen+shot+2013-01-28+at+1.51.12+AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, well that's convenient.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I checked my online bank account. Sure enough, there was the student loan company's name in all capital letters. They took out the payment from my bank account! Not only did they take out a payment, they took out $357.06. That's $73.20 more than my monthly payment.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5voQASjD0boD31DXCMNHzApXLelvS4XZdWWg6B0g6GnInYa5kw605E735mRhx5EFfZdox31AFBpaYg5gaAb5M9EM5spc6J78u9dnVgTpgHqMFRceZWrrMdevCjT4CYRRyV-6utzqyWwWJ/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-01-28+at+1.32.03+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="13" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5voQASjD0boD31DXCMNHzApXLelvS4XZdWWg6B0g6GnInYa5kw605E735mRhx5EFfZdox31AFBpaYg5gaAb5M9EM5spc6J78u9dnVgTpgHqMFRceZWrrMdevCjT4CYRRyV-6utzqyWwWJ/s400/Screen+shot+2013-01-28+at+1.32.03+AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well look at that!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I will be updating this post after I speak to customer service. This cannot hit my credit! I am freaking out a little bit. This is criminal. They have to fix it - and they have to guarantee that it will not touch my credit! Saying I'm mad is an understatement right now. However, if they don't fix it, a friend of mine told me that his family (who own a law firm) will have no problem speaking on my behalf. If it has to go further, his family will represent me pro bono (aka, free). Hopefully it won't have to go to that extent, but just in case, it is nice to know I have that leverage.<br />
<br />
*~*~*~*~*~* UPDATE *~*~*~*~*~*<br />
<br />
So I called customer service this morning first thing. I was so mad and confused. The Customer Service Rep (CSR) did not make matters any better. Travis had to take the phone away from me and talk to her. What can I say, I was more than frustrated!<br />
<br />
We'll go back a little ways. Usually, when I think of "Due Date" for bills, I assume that is the day the payment is due. I'm never a day late on payments. Because Travis and I live paycheck to paycheck, we budget hardcore. Each week, I have it planned to pay a little bit towards all of my bills - based on priority. That way, my bills are paid BEFORE the due date. It also helps us to live our lives on a week to week basis without fear that our bills won't be paid. It's all planned out and we do our best to follow our plans. On top of that, it's always best to pay the bills with the highest interest rate early because a greater percentage of the payment will pay towards the principle balance - not interest. By the time the bill is due, majority of the payment will go towards interest.<br />
<br />
On January 3rd, I paid $75 towards my student loan bill. On Friday, January 4th, I called the company and spoke to a CSR about lowering my monthly payments. It's not that we can't afford it, necessarily, but we'd rather use that money at this time to purchase a home. That way, we can always pay more when we can or when we want to. The CSR gave me a few options, and we worked out a plan. He told me that my next bill will be $282 (and some odd cents - I always round up). I asked him about my $75 - and he said it would be applied towards my bill of $282.<br />
<br />
On January 15th, I did the dumb thing and signed up for automatic payments. I should not have done that. Once I signed up for automatic payments - that $75 became an "additional" amount. I did not know this. On January 24th, I checked my online account to see if the payment had gone through yet. It didn't. There were no pending payments. However, it said my monthly payment was $282 (and some odd cents). Because the loan company recently changed their website, I could not find a statement anywhere saying what amount was paid or not. Because the CSR told me that my monthly payments would be $282, I assumed the amount listed was the total bill. I figured the $75 would be applied, because that's what he said!<br />
<br />
Sunday was the due date. I checked my online loan account, and you all know what I found. So this morning, bright and early, I called the company and the CSR got an earful. She would not give me a straight answer. I was so confused, that I just lost it. It sounded like no one there knew what in the world I even owed! Once Travis got on the phone, and I calmed down, things started to become clear between us.<br />
<br />
Turns out, the previous CSR did not change my monthly payment plan and never made a note on the account. So technically, I owed $357.06. The balance that was showing up online was the amount after the $75 had been applied. HOWEVER, because I signed up for automatic payment withdraws, those automatic payments take out the full amount. So this company not only took out $357.06 - they also took out an additional $75. Basically, we "lost" $150 this month. I asked if, because of the confusion, they could reimburse $75 or apply it towards my next bill, and they said no. There was nothing they could do. We are just out that money.<br />
<br />
We set up a new payment plan with this CSR. I have her name, and I recorded our conversation. I won't let that happen to me again. Once she knew she was being recorded, she certainly changed her tune. Now, we're back to what we were originally paying in December: $303. Whatever. Now I have to update our budget again.<br />
<br />
This has me super upset. I could have used that $75 towards our House Fund. Here's why: Travis and I have been working with credit advisors and what not to boost our credit. Our credit advisor suggested that since I paid off my credit card completely, I should put $100 on it and pay it down to $10-$20 to develop a consistent history of revolving credit. I followed their advice and put $110 on my credit card. I WAS going to use $75 for paying down my credit card - but it looks like we're going to have to pull $75 from our House Fund savings account to pay the credit card. Thanks student loan company! **obviously sarcasm**Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4752519242577234385.post-47965875340918777712013-01-26T20:22:00.001-08:002013-01-26T20:36:55.074-08:00StarstruckI HAVE to brag. I feel like such an idiot for not asking for a signature or picture. <br />
<i>Way to go Liz! A big deal walks in the door and you talk to him, and you have this 365 Photo Project but, nah, we won't take a pic or anything to share. BAH!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Next celebrity I meet, I'm getting a picture!<br />
<br />
I work in a hotel. I love it there. You never know what in the world the next day is going to be like or who you are going to meet. A local music.... I don't know what they are called.... they book concerts and make sure the musicians have a place to stay. Well, majority of their country musicians stay at our hotel. A lot of times, they are not your super iconic celebrities. <br />
<br />
BUT, today, I said hello to Brantley Gilbert. Ok, ok, you might be saying "who?" He's growing in popularity in the country/class rock genre. This is the dude:<br />
<br />
<br />
<object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ve8sNTqrzCw?hl=en_US&version=3"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ve8sNTqrzCw?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
<br />
<br />
It was so funny. He walked up, was texting or something on his smart phone with all of his luggage, just checking out of his room. I had to do a double look because I thought he looked familiar. Hence, this is why I said hi to him - so I didn't seem super awkward or anything. ::rolls eyes:: The hotel manager, Lisa, had a message for him, so she chatted with him for a bit. I could not figure out why he looked so stinkin' familiar. <br />
<br />
Once he left, Lisa asked, "Is he some famous country singer? He was with *name of client I cannot disclose*" For some reason, the name sounded familiar but it didn't click this morning. <br />
<br />
Gladys, one of my coworkers, replies, "I think so."<br />
<br />
Lisa commented that he doesn't look like the typical country singer. She and I both said he looked more a rocker dude. Gladys agreed, "I don't know if he's country. He has way too many piercings to be a country singer." Gotta love Gladys!!! :P<br />
<br />
I looked him up online. Once I saw his most popular picture on the computer and the titles of his songs, I knew who he was! <br />
<br />
I wish I had gotten a picture. I wish I had gotten pictures of all the celebrities I've met: Wenona Judd, Ron White, Meg Ryan, Howie from BSB, Angelo Pizzo.... *sigh* I <i><u>never</u></i> think about getting an autograph or picture taken. Who does that?!? I cannot believe I spaced it. I guess this pic will have to do.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wklb.com/music/story.aspx?ID=1580833" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://www.wklb.com/Pics/Artist%20Bios/2012/BrantleyGilbertBio.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WKLB Country 102.5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have not forgotten about my <a href="http://dansercheri365.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">365 Photo/Video Project</a>. Tomorrow is my day off and I'll be uploading all of my pictures onto my computer and what not. A lot of times, I'll take pictures throughout the day - and then I select the best pic from that day. It's been a pretty stressful week. Catch ya tomorrow!Danser Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05787959066994865259noreply@blogger.com0