tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72323765990066960052024-03-13T15:29:15.461-05:00some sort of crazyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger691125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-30762493993607228952015-08-07T22:30:00.000-05:002015-08-07T22:30:21.762-05:00A New ChapterI began this blog back in 2007, at the very end of senior year at BYU. With the exception of a few months here and there (...and the past year), I was a pretty faithful blogger. This blog carried me through living in Los Angeles, moving back home to Texas, moving to Austin and attending UT, moving back to Dallas, the start of my teaching career, the death of a friend, engagement, marriage, pregnancy and baby. Circle of life, am I right?<br />
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Anyways. This blog has served me well during both very low times and very happy times, and I am grateful for the support of so many as I have poured out a little of my heart and soul through these posts.<br />
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Now, however, I have decided that it is time for a fresh start, a clean slate, a blank page. I will now be embarking on a new chapter on my new blog, <a href="http://www.aruninthepark.com/">A Run in the Park</a>. I invite you to follow along through Facebook, <a href="https://twitter.com/katiejillryan">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/katiejillryan/">Instagram</a> or an RSS feeder. Comments, follows and likes are always appreciated!<br />
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If you have been a reader of Some Sort of Crazy for a while, I thank you so much for allowing me to share a little bit of myself with you. I hope you will continue to follow me on this new adventure!<br />
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<br />Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-22911302730059679362015-04-05T11:35:00.002-05:002015-04-05T11:35:45.875-05:00"Why seek ye the living among the dead?"Baby J is <i>thisclose</i> to crawling. Any day now, he's going to start motoring all over the place - the beginning of the end, I'm told. As I watch him, though, I see his frustration in his inability to coordinate both arms and legs. For all his efforts, he is still stuck in the same spot, unable to move forward or backward. It hurts my heart to hear his cries of distress and disappointment.<div>
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As I reflect on the importance of this Easter Sunday, I know that I am very much like my baby boy. There are many things that I am trying to do - or would like to do - in order to be a better mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, teacher, follower of Christ. Yet I am unable to coordinate my motivation, my time, my energy and my circumstances to actually accomplish my righteous desires. I feel stuck, static and stagnant. But just as my baby's tears do not go unheard or unanswered, I know that my cries of distress and disappointment do not go unnoticed by my Heavenly Father.</div>
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I know that my prayers are heard because I know that Jesus Christ is my mediator with the Father. I know that He is my advocate, my friend and my greatest support. He knows my frustrations and my heartaches. He also knows my joys and my triumphs. All of my weaknesses and shortcomings will be made strong through His atonement. I know He suffered and died for my sins and my sorrows.</div>
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And I know He lives today.</div>
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My favorite account of that resurrection morning is found in <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/24.5?lang=eng#4">Luke 24:5-6</a>. When the disciples found the empty tomb, two angels made this powerful statement:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen."</span></div>
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I know that through Jesus Christ, I will live again after this mortal life. I know that I will be reunited with family and friends. And I know that my little family that M and I have started in this life will be together forever.</div>
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To learn more about the Savior, please visit <a href="http://www.mormon.org/easter">this link</a> to watch a special Easter message from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. #BecauseHeLives</div>
Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-13176153615350981802015-02-28T23:15:00.000-06:002015-03-01T11:38:26.781-06:00(Not Yet) Ready to Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Cowtown 2012, 2013 and 2014</i></div>
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For the past three years, Dad and I have shared the experience of running the <a href="http://cowtownmarathon.org/">Cowtown</a>. Last year, I jogged the 5k (4 months pregnant), while Dad rocked the 10k. At the time, I committed to running the 10k with him the following year, with all the good intentions of beginning my training right after <a href="http://somesortofcrazy.blogspot.com/2014/08/our-baby-boy.html">baby was born</a>. </div>
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Well, you know what they say about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_road_to_hell_is_paved_with_good_intentions">good intentions</a>. With trying to be mom, wife and teacher, sadly being a runner has eluded me these past 7 months. As the 10k date came closer and closer, I resigned myself to walking 6.2 miles. I had made a commitment, plus, I didn't want to miss our yearly tradition.</div>
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As fate would have it, though, this week's winter storm meant the Cowtown races were all cancelled. I'm not gonna lie - I was more than a little happy that I got out of walking/jogging in the snow and sub-freezing temperatures.</div>
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So while I am not yet ready to run a 10k (or heck, even a 5k - any distance at this point would probably be the end of me!), I realize that I've been given a second chance to lace up my running shoes and hit the pavement in preparation for another race.</div>
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From experience, I know a few tips and tricks that should get me going:</div>
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<li><b>A good pair of shoes will work wonders</b>.<b> </b><a href="http://www.asicsamerica.com/">Asics</a> were my previous brand of choice, but pregnancy made my already wide feet a little but wider. I now really like the pair of <a href="http://www.brooksrunning.com/">Brooks</a> I bought from the great people at <a href="http://www.lukeslocker.com/Company/Locations/Colleyville/">Luke's Locker</a>.</li>
<li><b>The early bird gets the worm.</b> This is my biggest challenge, but I know it is the best way to git 'er done. Get out of bed, go on a run, and get on with the day.</li>
<li><b>Hydrate or die.</b> I've been indulging a little too much lately with soda and juice. Water is and always be, though, my beverage of choice.</li>
<li><b>Running slowly is still running.</b> I too often have the mindset that it's not even worth getting off the couch because my current pace is not going to be earning me any PRs anytime soon. But something is better than nothing. Just do it.</li>
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If you have any helpful hints or words of wisdom to motivate a lapsed runner, I'd love to hear them!</div>
Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-78680845347039463592015-02-25T22:26:00.000-06:002015-02-25T22:46:09.890-06:00That ScarI've always been fascinated by scars. I love that scars have the ability to tell a person's life story - where they've been, what they've done, what risks they've taken. I love it even more when people proudly wear and display their scars, like a nature-made tattoo.<br />
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I have my fair share of scars, memories of past lives and experiences: falling on the dance floor on a high school choir trip to Atlanta, being hit by a cyclist on BYU's campus, falling down stairs in Sevilla at the end of my 18-month mission to Spain, fighting for (and winning!) the bouquet at a friend's wedding. Most of the marks have faded, but every now and then I enjoy reminiscing over my battle wounds because from each scar and each experience, I have gained or learned something new.<br />
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Of course, physical scars are not the only type of scars we carry with us. Those <a href="http://somesortofcrazy.blogspot.com/2012/01/loss.html">emotional scars</a> sometimes cut much deeper and leave an even more permanent mark on our hearts and souls. I am equally fascinated by these unseen scars. They tell more than just a person's life story; rather, they speak volumes on a person's character and strength.<br />
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Lately, though, I've been dwelling on a very particular scar, one I was not ever planning on having.<br />
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In the week or so before <a href="http://somesortofcrazy.blogspot.com/2014/08/our-baby-boy.html">Baby J's birth</a>, I knew he was in a breeched position. Intellectually, I knew a C-section was a possibility, but I guess when the moment finally arrived, emotionally I was not prepared for the reality of what a C-section would mean.<br />
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Having never experienced contractions or having never actually "given birth," I don't know how the recovery periods compare. All I know is that the recovery from a C-section is brutal. It's a good thing my baby is so cute because Oh. My. Heavens. My whole body is aching just remembering it.<br />
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Seven months later, I am doing much better... except for that scar. C-section incision scars are weird, to say the least. I've done a little research, and apparently the skin around the scar never fully heals. Ever. It will always be numb. It will always be itchy. And it will always be there.<br />
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I had a moment last week that inspired the thoughts in this post. For whatever reason, I experienced an overwhelming feeling of pure anger and hate directed towards my incision scar. That scar was the reason for my constant exhaustion. That scar was the reason for my not being able to lose weight and feel healthy. That scar was the reason for my house being a mess. That scar was the reason for my inability to feel like a normal person. All of a sudden, that scar had become the source of all my problems (or, rather, what I perceived to be problems). If I only I didn't have that scar, everything would be better.<br />
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Then, after the wave of rage had passed, my baby's face came into my view. And I remembered why I am fascinated by scars. I realized that that scar is the reason I am now a mother. That scar is the reason I finally understand love. That scar is the reason why I don't mind that I am exhausted. That scar is the reason for everything I do. That scar is the source of all my blessings.<br />
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Because I have that scar, everything is better.<br />
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Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-32783710066155160602015-02-01T00:39:00.000-06:002015-02-01T00:39:52.443-06:006 Months of Baby JA few days late, but my Baby J is 6 months old. Seriously. He just keeps on getting cuter and cuter.<br />
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Nothing could have prepared me for motherhood. Sure, it's hard and sometimes it's lonely, but it is the best feeling in the world (and that is not hyperbole). Especially in the last couple of months, I know he knows me. He knows that I am his mommy. He turns at the sound of my voice and smiles when he sees my face. He holds my fingers and puts his fingers in my mouth. He grabs my nose and pulls my hair. He puts his arms around my neck and falls asleep on my shoulder And best of all, he loves me for me.<br />
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He is growing more curious and independent every day. He smiles and laughs at everything. He is a happy and healthy baby boy, and I could not be more grateful to my husband and my Heavenly Father for giving me this gift of motherhood.<br />
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Here are some of my favorite moments from the last half year...<br />
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Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-57926368988400011952014-11-23T22:49:00.001-06:002014-11-23T22:49:52.561-06:00Worth the WeightA year ago today, I found out I was pregnant. I'm sure I felt the expected mixture of emotions: joy, fear, excitement, anxiety. But, because I needed time to process, and because we would be spending the Thanksgiving holiday in OK with M's family, I decided to wait to tell M until after the holiday. That's the feeling I remember most of all - having this HUGE secret on the tip of my tongue for a week and not saying anything to anyone about it. When I finally told M that we were having a baby, the weight of what we were embarking upon fell fast and heavy on my heart.<br />
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Baby J is now almost 4 months old. When he was only a few a weeks old, maybe one month, I realized that I had conditioned him to only fall asleep when I was holding him in my arms, on top of my chest, laying right over my heart. All these weeks later, the only thing that has changed is how heavy he feels when I am holding him. Unfortunately, his heavier little body has wreaked havoc on my left side, all the way from my neck and shoulder, down to my elbow and wrist. But it's totally worth it.<br />
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He was worth the wait of a few months for us to get pregnant. I recognize now how blessed we were to be able to start having children right away. The impatience that I felt then seems silly now. No matter how long the wait, though, the blessing is always worth it.<br />
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He was worth the emotional weight I felt while I was pregnant. I spent many days and nights worrying about finances and security and being a good mother. The truth, of course, was that I was scared out of my mind to have a baby. But all of the tears and fears were worth it when he was finally here.<br />
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He was worth the physical weight I gained while I was pregnant. The swelling and water retention were out of control, but thankfully I was still able to move my body and be productive. He was healthy, I was healthy, so it was all worth it. (I'm not gonna lie - I am struggling to lose that weight, and most days I hardly recognize myself. But, again, he's worth it. The pounds will come and go, but he is forever.)<br />
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He is worth the weight I feel now, every day and every night. I would not trade his tired little body on my shoulder every night for anything. I would not trade the love I feel bursting out of my heart when I see his little smile, hear his little laugh. I would not trade the sleepless nights, the stressful days, the frustrating moments. He is worth everything because he is my everything.<br />
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Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-4420453130568774122014-10-05T18:20:00.000-05:002014-10-05T18:20:21.820-05:00Baby J<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">You are so cute, I could just eat you!</span></i></div>
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I've never liked this comment from well-meaning individuals in reference to babies and small children. It just seems like a weird thing to say.</div>
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But I totally understand it now. Whenever I look at Jackson, I almost can't stand it. He. Is. So. Cute. At two months old, his little personality is coming out. He found his smile and is starting to find his laugh. He is trying out new sounds everyday, and I can't wait for the day when he will start telling me what's on his mind. He is almost able to support his head on his own, and just recently started testing out his leg strength to support his body. He loves his bottle and hates wet/dirty diapers. I think he is starting to enjoy bath time more - kicking the water is a new thing as of a couple of nights ago. He has beautiful blue eyes and long lashes, just like his daddy. He's starting to chunk up in his legs, cheeks and tummy. Yes, he is going slightly bald and his hair in general is out of control, but somehow that just makes him even cuter. It's still a gamble whether or not he will sleep through the night, but we're hoping he figures it out soon.</div>
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Mitchell and I are just in awe of how much we love this little boy. I sometimes can't even believe that he is ours.</div>
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For forever and ever, he is ours and we are his.</div>
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My beautiful Baby J. I love him so much, I could just eat him.</div>
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(<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Modest_Proposal">Jonathan Swift</a> would be so proud.)</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Seriously, though. So cute. I can't stand it.</span></i></div>
Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-87118313928180194602014-08-02T21:05:00.001-05:002014-08-02T21:49:24.214-05:00Our Baby BoyToday <i>was</i> my official due date. Obviously, someone else had other plans.<br />
<br />
Last Saturday was quite possibly the most perfect day for Mitchell and I. We were together all day long, getting ready for new baby's arrival, which we had thought would most likely be on Monday. We cleaned the house inside and out, went on last minute shopping trips, worked hard and laughed a lot. Looking back it was a precious gift from above to have that last day together, just the two of us.<br />
<br />
Around 11:00 pm, we still had a few things to finish up before calling it a night, but I was so exhausted that I told M I had to lay down and put my feet up for a bit. No more than ten minutes later, I bolted off the bed and ran (well, waddled) to the bathroom. With no warning, no labor pains, no contractions, my water had broke. Truly one of the weirdest sensations. I stared wide-eyed at M, and he asked, "What does this mean?" I replied, "I think it means we are going to hospital."<br />
<br />
Three hours later, I was lying on a hospital bed, being told that our baby was still in a breeched position, so we would be having a C-section as soon as the doctor arrived. With the flurry of nurses and anesthesiologists going in and out of the room (and M losing the battle to exhaustion on the sofa chair), I wasn't really able to process what was happening until our doctor finally appeared, scrubbed up and ready to perform major surgery. I looked at him and requested five minutes alone with my husband. Everyone left the room, I turned to Mitchell, and then I lost it. It was all happening way too fast, and it definitely wasn't supposed to happen this way. After calming me down, M said a prayer for us, and we were ready to go.<br />
<br />
I was led into the operating room, given a spinal anesthetic, lain down on the table, and told to breathe and not worry. After the curtain went up, M was brought in and stayed with me the whole time.<br />
<br />
At 3:23 am, we heard our baby boy's first cries. It was the most beautiful sound in the world. As the nurses cleaned him off, I told M to go be with our son. They brought him over to me to hold, but with all of the tubes and cuffs attached to my arms, I wasn't able to fully embrace him. A short time later, the curtain came down, I was transferred to a bed, and before we were wheeled into the recovery room, I was able to really hold my baby boy for the first time. He was perfect.<br />
<br />
In four short hours, we had gone from just the two of us to a family of three.<br />
<br />
The next few days in the hospital were equal parts pain and joy. Actually, since coming home on Wednesday, it's still a mix of pain and joy. I've been told the pain will last a few more weeks, with a full(?) recovery in six to eight weeks.<br />
<br />
The joy, though… oh the joy! That will last an eternity.<br />
<br />
We are so happy to be home, and we are so grateful for wonderful family and friends who continue to support us. We are humbled by your love and service.<br />
<br />
We love our baby boy "with so much of [our] heart[s] that none is left to protest."<br />
<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Jackson Romney Ryan</span></b></div>
Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-65624671581658720802014-07-12T19:21:00.000-05:002014-07-12T19:21:08.378-05:00ShoweredAs sappy as this sounds, I know why they call them "showers." The outpouring of love and friendship is overwhelming. The gifts are great, but more importantly I am so grateful to have strong, beautiful, and amazing women in my life. And while I am slightly scared to death of becoming a "mother," I have no doubt that I'll be able to figure it out with the help of so many excellent examples all around me. The best of which is, of course, my own loving mother. A friend told me today that her and I are exactly alike - same mannerisms, same voice, same laugh. No greater compliment. <br />
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Much love to all our friends and family who have supported M and I during this first year of marriage, and now as we prepare for our first year of parenthood. We can't wait for Baby Jackson to be finally be here!<br />
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Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-58655148395444899842014-04-20T15:16:00.001-05:002014-04-20T15:16:41.235-05:00An Easter Quiche<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the days leading up to today's holiday, I've been thinking about family traditions for Easter. Growing up, we didn't do the basket and bunny thing. Yes, I know we dyed eggs during the week, maybe went shopping for a new dress and had a nice family dinner the day of, but we didn't have Easter Sunday morning egg hunts or baskets full of candy and toys. And I was/am okay with that.<br />
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Now that I am starting my own family, though, I've been wondering what sort of holiday traditions Mitchell and I will have with our kids. In an effort to be a little more home-maker-y, I decided that I would make breakfast for us this morning before going to church (Our typical Sunday mornings consist of Mitchell getting up around 6:00am to get ready and prepare for church leaderships meetings that begin at 7:30. Since actual church doesn't start until 10:00, I am still fast asleep when he leaves. Therefore, we never eat breakfast together on Sunday mornings, ergo I was trying to make today a special day.). I had it all planned out: a spinach quiche with a side of bacon and freshly cut fruit. A glass of coconut milk for him, a glass of orange juice for me. Maybe some buttered toast, as well. It was going to be a beautiful moment, the start of a beautiful family tradition, sitting together at the table enjoying our Easter quiche breakfast.<br />
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That was the hope and dream. Here was the reality: I had to be at the church this morning to practice a song at 8:00. Mitchell had a meeting at 8:30. I finally got out of bed at 6:20, showered, dried my hair, got half dressed, then went downstairs to make the quiche. The side of bacon was quickly abandoned when I put the quiche in the oven at 7:15 and knew I still had to finish getting ready. When I had a wardrobe malfunction, the freshly cut fruit was replaced with a banana. The timer on the oven went off, but the quiche needed another five minutes. It was 7:45 and Mitchell still wasn't dressed. At 7:50, I took the quiche out of the oven, eyed it suspiciously and very hesitantly cut myself a slice. After the first bite, I knew that it had been a failure. Shrugging my shoulders, I put the whole thing back in the oven to keep it warm, then called upstairs to Mitchell to let him know I was leaving and that if he wanted to try what I made, it was in the oven. Otherwise, he should probably just grab a banana and a PowerBar on his way out the door.<br />
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So there you have it. My first attempt at an Easter family tradition was a complete and total failure. But here's the best part…<br />
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As I was sitting in Sacrament Meeting today, where I participated in a women's musical number and also sang in the choir, I realized that today is not about quiches. It is not about baskets and bunnies. It is not about trying to keep up with or out-do the Jones' and all their crafty Easter traditions. Today is about celebrating the miracle of the Atonement and the Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Today is about being thankful for my many blessings - for my marriage to Mitchell, for Baby Jackson who will be here before we know it, and for the wonder of the gospel in my life. <br />
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I know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. I know that He suffered and died for the sins and pains of all. I know that He was resurrected and lives today. I know that it is only through Him that we are able to return to live with our Heavenly Father and our families for eternity.<br />
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And I know that no amount of ruined Easter quiches will ever take this testimony away from me.<br />
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Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-59019295367155582462014-03-11T11:54:00.000-05:002014-03-11T11:54:30.705-05:00i really miss sleeping on my stomachoh, baby. we went to the doctor yesterday with the hope we would finally know what to call you, but no joy. already an obstinate child, you refused to move your legs so the doctor could get a good look. she gave us a very tentative "GIRL," but there were about ten question marks behind that word. so, we are forced to wait another four weeks to know for sure.<br />
<br />
other than your extreme shyness, everything was healthy and normal.<br />
<br />
people ask me how i'm doing, and so far i've been doing great. i had one short bout of "sickness," but nothing horrible. i'm tired, of course, but then again i'm always tired during the school year. my students have seen me in the same black skirt and black dress for the past couple of months, because those are the only two articles of clothing that actually fit me right now. i'm considering submitting a request to my principal to allow me to wear yoga pants for the rest of the year, but i have a feeling that request would be denied. sleeping is becoming a bit of a challenge. between getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, and my limited sleeping position options (i really do miss sleeping on my stomach), mornings are not my favorite part of the day. i'm loving the food benefits of being pregnant, though. i simply have to say, "baby really wants pizza tonight" and <i>poof</i>! we eat pizza for dinner!<br />
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overall, though, the past 19 weeks have been a bit of a blur. obviously, i know you are real and will be here before we know it, but it still doesn't feel<i> REAL</i>. with all the other "stuff" we have going on in our lives right now (work stresses, money challenges, house chores, church responsibilities, personal improvements), i haven't had time to really stop and think about how i feel about you. of course, i'm excited and happy… but i'm also scared and worried and exhausted. i think part of it is that we still don't know <i>who</i> you will be (so move your legs, please!), but there's something else i don't how to explain.<br />
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you're real, but still not <i>REAL</i>. i don't know when that will happen, but when it does, i'll only love you more.<br />
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Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-92057679240663686132014-01-07T16:30:00.002-06:002014-01-07T16:30:44.743-06:00Good GriefDear Z:<br />
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<a href="http://somesortofcrazy.blogspot.com/2012/01/loss.html">Two years ago</a> you left this temporary home for your eternal one. Pain has been replaced by peace, anger with happiness, confusion with understanding. It truly is amazing what prayer, time and faith can do for a broken heart.<br />
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I still remember very clearly walking into your parents' house that afternoon and finding sisters from the ward there, already packing up your clothes and your gear and your things and your room, all the physical reminders of your life. Still in shock, I wanted to yell at them to put it all down, that it wasn't real.<br />
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But of course, it was real. It was very real for your family and your friends. <br />
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I found it fitting that this month's issue of the Ensign included an article entitled, <a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/01/the-healing-power-of-grief?lang=eng">"The Healing Power of Grief"</a>:<br />
<br /><i>"Grief is the emotional, and often physical, response we have when we experience loss. The more profound the loss, the more profound the grief will be. Grief can involve virtually every emotion or can leave us feeling numb and disconnected from the world around us.<br /><br />Manifestations of grief may include hopelessness, anxiety, anger, denial, guilt, incapacitating fatigue, difficulty in controlling emotions, lack of concentration, loss of interest in people or activities, and feelings of being overwhelmed...</i><div>
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<i>Grief hurts, but it can be the salve that helps us heal when it is allowed to do its work appropriately. The first step in handling grief is to recognize that the pain is a normal part of the process. It needs to be acknowledged, not avoided...<br /><br />Grieving is not a brief process. Be patient with it and give it time. As with a physical wound, the pain of losing a loved one requires time to heal...</i><div>
<i><br />Some nights are much longer than others, but the morning always follows. Death brings deep sorrow, but our joy will exceed our ability to comprehend when our reunion with deceased loved ones finally comes. Yet peace is not reserved for the next life only; we can feel peace now, even in the very moment we are feeling pain. How thankful we can be for the sacrifice of our Savior and the healing power His Atonement can bring us in spite of our grief. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ps/30.5?lang=eng#4">Psalm 30:5</a>)."</i></div>
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I know my grief was different than others' grief. Every person's grief is personal, though. I grieved for your passing. I grieved for your mother and father, for your sisters and brother. I grieved for your family and friends. But that grief brought healing and understanding and a stronger testimony.</div>
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I am grateful that our paths crossed for a short time, and I am grateful for the grief that eventually turned into peace and joy.</div>
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With love,</div>
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K</div>
Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-23615491293366059042013-12-29T20:26:00.000-06:002013-12-29T20:26:08.294-06:00Why don't more people like us?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past week I was at my parents' house, admiring all of the Christmas and holiday cards they have received from family and friends. Of course, after 35 years of married life you would expect the number of cards taped to the pantry door, on display for all to see. But it got me thinking…</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">We've only received, like, four cards this year. Why don't more people like us?</span></i></div>
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My question was answered when we finally checked our mailbox today for the first time in probably <strike>two</strike> three weeks. After discarding the usual trash, we discovered a mound of Christmas cards, just waiting to be opened and taped to the door, on display for all to see.</div>
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Am I aware that Christmas is technically over and by now many people have started to take down all signs of this most festive of holidays? Of course. Is that going to stop me from displaying Christmas cards from beloved family members and friends for at least the next week (who am I kidding, it will be at least a month)? Of course not.</div>
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Hoping you and yours had a wonderful Christmas holiday! M and I loved spending the day with both of our families and are so grateful for the love and support of family and friends. </div>
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(Yes, yes. We realize that we should probably check our mail more often. I'm sure our mailman thinks we are always on vacation. Ha! If only…)Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-27715136494242140142013-12-09T20:17:00.000-06:002013-12-09T20:17:13.289-06:00bad weather days are ruining my lifeschool has already been cancelled for tomorrow. that's three school days in a row. five days total that i've been home, either trapped by ice or stuck working on stuff.<br />
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now, being at home for bad weather days is different than being at home for a holiday break. holiday break days, i know i'm supposed to be doing nothing because, hey! i'm on vacation!<br />
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but bad weather days, you expect it to be just the one day, so you think all of the lesson plans you have made will still be okay, no need to tweak things too much. but then it turns into two days, so you readjust some more, combining lessons and changing a few due dates. and then it becomes three days! now what am i supposed to do?! drop entire lessons and change all the due dates?<br />
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the next week and half of school are going to be rough. after a five-day weekend, the kids are already on holiday break. i know exactly how the conversations and excuses will go when we get back on wednesday (fingers crossed!):<br />
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"but mrs. ryan, i don't remember any of this stuff, it was so long ago!"<br />
"can we just have a movie day? we only have like a week left anyway."<br />
"we should just have a nap day."<br />
"you mean we still have to write the entire essay/read the entire book?"<br />
<br />
argh. one bad weather day was enough. two was pushing it. but three? now i'm just complaining. and no one likes a complainer. <br />
<br />
everything is ruined. <br />
<br />
(RE: can i get extra pony points for wanting to go back to work so badly?)Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-1990203891475990402013-12-08T12:00:00.002-06:002013-12-08T12:00:47.376-06:00cabin fever<b>the</b> <b>great dfw ice storm of 2013</b> struck with a vengeance on thursday night. my first official snow day as a teacher was well-spent: slept in, ate pizza, didn't take a shower until 5pm. by about 6pm, though, i was feeling a little restless.<div>
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saturday started about the same: slept in, ate pizza, didn't take a shower until 5pm. by about 6pm, i was feeling a lot restless. </div>
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it is now day 3 of <b>the great dfw ice storm of 2013.</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>i think the roads are finally starting to resemble actual roads again and not ice rinks, but it is still a frigid 30 degrees outside.</div>
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another snow day tomorrow? who knows. all i know is that if i have to spend another day in this house, i might snap. i'm caught up on all my shows. the laundry is done. christmas cards are on their way to being done. christmas decorations are as good as they are going to get. i finished one book and already started another one. i'm writing a blog post, for heaven's sake! </div>
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hopefully this cabin fever starts to break soon. there are only so many ways i can find to entertain myself indoors before the craziness becomes permanent.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-27465785103001863912013-11-28T11:00:00.000-06:002013-11-28T11:01:00.231-06:00Full of ThanksI have started and stopped about a dozen different posts in the past few months. An idea forms in my head of a thought or experience to write about... and then I usually end up falling asleep before the idea even has a chance for publication.<br />
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However, seeing as how it's Thanksgiving and everything, I thought I should at least try to write something without abandoning it mid-post.</div>
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<b>I am full of thanks today for my marriage.</b> I think I was given sufficient fair warning that marriage is hard. But no amount of advice or words of wisdom can truly prepare you for an experience. You have to live it for yourself to understand the cold hard truth: MARRIAGE IS HARD. Harder than Philmont, harder than a mission, harder than Crossfit, harder than Ragnar, harder than teaching high school. Harder even than all those things combined. But on the other side of this cold hard truth is the beautiful eternal truth: MARRIAGE IS WORTH IT. I love Mitchell "with so much of my heart that there is none left to protest." I know I frustrate him just as much as he frustrates me. I know we both have a lot of learning and growing and improving to do. But I also know that as long as we are learning and growing and improving together, it will all be okay. I am thankful for him and our eternity together.<br />
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<b>I am full of thanks today for family. </b>We are spending the holiday with Mitchell's family in Oklahoma City. I have some pretty great in-laws. They are good, kind people, quick with a joke, always ready to offer you a glass of lemonade and not afraid to share political opinions (Grandma Ryan had a few shockers last night!). I am thankful to feel welcomed by such loving and caring people. And as this is one of my first holidays away from my family, I am feeling extra grateful for my wonderful parents and brothers and sisters. As much as I love married life, I miss living at home and having mom a yell-down-the-stairs away. Marriage is worth it only because family is worth everything.<br />
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<b>I am full of thanks today for tender mercies. </b>I went to a movie on Tuesday by myself as a much needed reward for cleaning the house for two days straight. As the credits started rolling and the theater lights came up, who do I see but my favorite teacher friend, there with her two daughters. We laughed at the coincidence of being at the same movie at the same time and not even knowing it, but I knew it was a small blessings from heaven. We chatted excitedly as we exited the theater, and when we realized there was much more to discuss than a simple hi/bye, we ducked into the Cheesecake Factory so her girls could get a treat while we talked. I was able to share with her a few stories that I had been holding in from the previous week, releasing a weight off my shoulders that I didn't know I had been carrying. This friend has been a constant confidante and counselor for me, both personally and professionally, for the past two and half years, and I am grateful for our "chance" meeting at the movies that day.<br />
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<b>I am full of thanks today for all my blessings. They are many and I am humbled by the greatness of Heavenly Father in giving me so much when I feel so undeserving. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours - may your day be full of love from family and friends and lots of scrumptious food!</b></div>
Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-10612400096840937142013-08-30T21:47:00.002-05:002013-08-30T21:47:12.303-05:00Days 3 & 4<b>Day 3 = Repetitive</b><br />
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For only the second time since I began teaching, I teach multiple sections of the same class each day - two classes of Spanish 2 and two classes of English 1. Sometimes I forget what I have told which class and whether or not I'm repeating the same thing to the same people. It gets really confusing. And a little boring, too, actually.<br />
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Another reason why this day was extremely repetitive: teaching all four of my English classes about expository essay structure and writing rubrics = one lesson plan repeated over and over and over and over all day.<br />
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<b>Day 4 = Baby Steps</b><br />
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All of my English classes wrote expository essays today. By the end of my last period, I realized I probably should have started smaller... with just the introductory paragraph and thesis statement, for example. After 40 minutes, several of my freshman came to with just a few sentences typed, asking if I would read what they had written so far. <i>Ummm, yeah. Your full paper is due in 5 minutes</i>.<br />
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While I'm glad I assigned all my classes the full essay (a way to gauge where they are, what they need work on), I always seem to forget that students sometimes need things in very small, slow chunks.<br />
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Baby steps, Mrs. Ryan. Baby steps.Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-63926596061651435292013-08-28T21:07:00.002-05:002013-08-28T21:07:40.036-05:00WOD 2: NumbToday's Word of the Day = NUMB<br />
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4" wedge sandals always<i> </i>seem like a good idea at the time... but then 6 hours later, you've been on your feet all day, and you can't feel anything below the knee. true story.<br />
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there's another numbness, though, that i think all teachers are familiar with. it's the feeling you get as soon as you pull into the driveway at home. you turn off the car, take a few breaths in and out, then lug the five bags you carry with you to and from school everyday (seriously, we all do it and i don't know why) into the house, drop said bags at the bottom of the stairs (or whatever most convenient location that is out of a high frequency traffic lane), and then you find the nearest spot to flop your tired body down - couch, bed, kitchen table chair, the floor.<br />
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it's a weird sensation, this total mind and body numbness. full-on exhaustion hasn't hit yet (it is only the second day), but i can already feel the after-school numbness taking effect.<br />
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or maybe it's only my poor choice of footwear.Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-91784901106006176982013-08-27T22:02:00.000-05:002013-08-27T22:02:21.919-05:00WOD 1: FamiliarToday's Word of the Day (WOD) = FAMILIAR.<br />
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It's amazing how comfortable it feels to be in front of a group of students. Talking, teaching, discussing, helping, explaining, sharing, directing, guiding, modeling, reading, lecturing, reviewing... I am so grateful that it comes very natural to me. <br />
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I remember <a href="http://somesortofcrazy.blogspot.com/2011/08/first-week-reflections-musings.html">my very first day of teaching</a> - the bell rang that signaled the start of first period, and BOOM! about 25 faces all faced me expectantly, waiting for me to say something, to do something. I remember sweating a lot that day as I stumbled my way through introductions and class procedures. The first day of Year 2 was better, but I still felt nervous jitters as I started each class, hoping and praying that I would be able to make it through the day.<br />
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Today, though, was different. Right on time, the bell rang at 8:25 AM, and BOOM! I became Mrs. Ryan, High School English and Spanish teacher.<br />
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Today felt good. It felt familiar. Like coming home and being with family.Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-76172174588731110242013-08-26T22:52:00.001-05:002013-08-26T22:52:31.306-05:003rd time's a charmit's that time again.<div>
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in just a few short hours, summer will be officially over. and what a great summer it has been!</div>
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i'm excited for this new school year. i'm excited for a lighter workload (and grateful for a principal who goes above and beyond to help her teachers succeed). i'm excited for new and returning students. i'm excited to be working with a group of educators who constantly inspire me to be better both professionally and personally.</div>
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each of my first two years of teaching was marked by pretty significant events. i'm excited to see what new challenges and experiences this year will bring.</div>
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happy new school year to one and all!</div>
Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-75001207792626126632013-08-13T12:12:00.001-05:002013-08-13T12:12:35.644-05:00Chasing the Sun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFFberbflbU"><i>Chasing the Sun</i>, by Sara Bareilles</a></div>
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(designed by katie j)</div>
Katie Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987884045174967858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-77386900913433216772013-07-20T21:13:00.001-05:002013-07-20T21:13:31.914-05:00The Con<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This post is dedicated to one of my favorite sisters, Ju-Ju-Bee. Two years behind, but better late than never. Love you.</i></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.comic-con.org/cci">Comic-Con International</a> </b>(also known as "The Con"): an annual convention held at the San Diego Convention Center which pay homages to all things pop culture. A mecca for geeks, nerds, fanboys and fangirls, where all definitions of dress code and acceptable social behavior are non-existent. </div>
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Sister Julie and I had been dreaming of attending The Con for years. In 2011, as a birthday present to ourselves, we finally did it. Three days of complete insanity. Neither words nor pictures can adequately describe or capture the scene in which you find yourself at The Con. Just know that it is *not for the faint of heart. Also know that there are <i>fans</i>, and there are <i>FANS</i>... and then there are <i>COMIC-CON FANS.</i></div>
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One of the most singular experiences of my life. Would love to do it again some day.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">DAILY PASSES</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE LINES</b> </span></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE FANS (OHMYLIFE, THE FANS)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE STARS</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>ABSOLUTELY INSANE, BUT SO MUCH FUN.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ45XW-ubeg-o21VBkDu1zNDa6a2THJzHPJkAAZ3Ij2Lr5ZX7Ond5wAvfl_sjOlIQsHo-rLeannWN5Q4_BdAgZjmCVn4OIgT8KzfWuPqHxB88QdyZfc4qN3DVVzdwaZufOFf2bTs-uQ7UX/s1600/IMG_1159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ45XW-ubeg-o21VBkDu1zNDa6a2THJzHPJkAAZ3Ij2Lr5ZX7Ond5wAvfl_sjOlIQsHo-rLeannWN5Q4_BdAgZjmCVn4OIgT8KzfWuPqHxB88QdyZfc4qN3DVVzdwaZufOFf2bTs-uQ7UX/s400/IMG_1159.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoKFacbpdXxX5FvADYOIMKa_kzZIRroPeTdynlGPkBr1M-6hj-9CvtdRVSAHzbl0ZdeV9SwkvFiiscg0sDMYipqJY1FA7EnuvMeOKlhhyphenhyphenRG5A_eLLOINMSCh2u0xsuujPvylefo3ES4Ko/s1600/IMG_1494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoKFacbpdXxX5FvADYOIMKa_kzZIRroPeTdynlGPkBr1M-6hj-9CvtdRVSAHzbl0ZdeV9SwkvFiiscg0sDMYipqJY1FA7EnuvMeOKlhhyphenhyphenRG5A_eLLOINMSCh2u0xsuujPvylefo3ES4Ko/s400/IMG_1494.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHMMBOHkNELRHfyC8SEAi1R6b_hE3Taxbc8F8QgVD98rCwHrZDBu7vSKc-eT84YjBZ6HoLvrTwPJWn9dnT-ZqBxCxya0AYhEVw3oPOcK1DPuTR-s7-2DaOD53db1IKUuTu7kQsTnF8sEa/s1600/IMG_1657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHMMBOHkNELRHfyC8SEAi1R6b_hE3Taxbc8F8QgVD98rCwHrZDBu7vSKc-eT84YjBZ6HoLvrTwPJWn9dnT-ZqBxCxya0AYhEVw3oPOcK1DPuTR-s7-2DaOD53db1IKUuTu7kQsTnF8sEa/s640/IMG_1657.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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*<i>A funny story from The Con: Julie and I walk onto the Convention floor and as far as the eye can see, there are people, people and more people. We struggle to muscle our way through the masses, holding tight to one another's shirts in order to not be separated. We both stop and take in the hordes around us. I notice Julie seems a little tenser than usual. I state, more than ask, "You don't like crowds, do you?"</i></div>
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<i>"No, no I do not like crowds."</i></div>
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<i>"Ummm, remind me again why we brought you here?"</i></div>
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<i>"I have no idea."</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-47354964032095132852013-07-15T20:49:00.000-05:002013-07-15T21:05:46.928-05:00one month<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-kpgYWJbBAuE3rtcC7ZGT43m_ToAekO7sveojwZzvthzYPFtM6U6RCwnxaiyEe9psrR7GD5ZO8MWauzOtIeuUarap32oPNJRXO5UnM44z9oIDVgjiuVwz8BZsVGWibpifEpQyH4XUI3n/s1600/IMG_3573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-kpgYWJbBAuE3rtcC7ZGT43m_ToAekO7sveojwZzvthzYPFtM6U6RCwnxaiyEe9psrR7GD5ZO8MWauzOtIeuUarap32oPNJRXO5UnM44z9oIDVgjiuVwz8BZsVGWibpifEpQyH4XUI3n/s320/IMG_3573.JPG" width="240" /></a>my bff just called to tell me how much she loves being married. i couldn't agree more.<br />
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i would never dismiss my single life as something to be forgotten or trivialized as an unimportant part of my life. i cherish that time and the experiences i had, the friends i made, the lessons i learned and the knowledge i gained. but, as <a href="http://thisyearslove-wahlers.blogspot.com/?m=1">one of my favorite friends whom i never get to see</a> once told me, "there's something really magical about being someone's wife." again, i couldn't agree more.<br />
<br />
the only way i can describe this past month is that it's been the worst month... and the best month of my life. fortunately, the best parts far, far, far outweigh the worst parts. does that make sense?<br />
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there's nothing quite like being married to bring out all of your faults and shortcomings and weaknesses.<br />
there's nothing quite like being married to realize how differently you were raised than other people.<br />
there's nothing quite like being married to test your patience and tolerance.<br />
there's nothing quite like being married to recognize the differences between you and your spouse.<br />
<br />
there's also nothing quite like being married to fully understand how to love and be loved. to give and receive. to serve and be served.<br />
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it is kind of magical.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">ily, m. happy one month.</span></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-47657881740373136522013-07-11T15:12:00.002-05:002013-07-11T15:12:51.410-05:00confessions of a summer housewife 23 words: breakfast in bed.<br />
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favorite new sweet snack: <a href="http://www.brooksidechocolate.com/usa">brookside</a> dark chocolate fruit pieces. seriously. buy a bag today.<br />
<br />
who knew making cookies with a kitchenaid stand mixer would make the cookies taste so much better?<br />
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many, many thanks to my mother and father-in-law for helping us buy a new couch. i've decided to take up permanent residence on it for the rest of the summer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTCuaiscCYGu5ZKSPGlo0NG7rdrkZ12jjsYQAWGLI1kBopTq_O3wcs7LvfbztjRF263BqVJjdb0KHp4qGRUcA5yEQYNVE_NCNNqIUkkItBJRMzkwTp-qgKFSnGRivSRGd5wQuIM6HWekj/s1600/IMG_3730.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTCuaiscCYGu5ZKSPGlo0NG7rdrkZ12jjsYQAWGLI1kBopTq_O3wcs7LvfbztjRF263BqVJjdb0KHp4qGRUcA5yEQYNVE_NCNNqIUkkItBJRMzkwTp-qgKFSnGRivSRGd5wQuIM6HWekj/s320/IMG_3730.PNG" width="213" /></a>yesterday i went out to <a href="http://oldwestcafe.us/home">lunch</a> with <a href="http://birdsflysouthblog.blogspot.com/">one of my favorite people</a>. she and i are in very similar situations: both teachers, both recently married, both freaking out about our financial futures, both type A personalities. (and, as it turns out, our husbands are very similar, as well.) another thing that i love about this friend: she is a budding entrepreneur. our lunch actually turned into a business meeting as she talked about <a href="http://poppiesandpeoniesfloral.blogspot.com/">her home floral business</a>, and i talked about possibly starting a home graphic design business (still a work in progress). so glad we live close enough to each other to have afternoon get-togethers.</div>
<br />
and speaking of living close to friends... my bff moved to austin. (that's what happens when you meet and fall in love with and marry someone who lives in another city. boo.) while i miss her face, i am so grateful for quick phone calls and text conversations. and a road trip next week to see <a href="http://somesortofcrazy.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-pinteresting-day.html">our boy jax</a> on <a href="http://www.pacificrimmovie.com/#videos/secondchances">the big screen</a>. (disclaimer: we fully admit that the movie looks absolutely ridiculous, but it has our boy in it. no way we are <i>not</i> seeing it in the theaters at least once. maybe twice.)<br />
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started organizing my online courses for next year. is it weird that working on school stuff made me really happy?<br />
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i guess i'm "maturing" and all that other adult stuff, but tv shows just aren't doing it for me like they used to. the dialogue, the acting, the story lines - all so repetitive and horribly lame. very few actually impress me anymore. does that sound too pretentious?<br />
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hmmm. i might have to rethink my above decision to live on the couch for the rest of the summer. it might be 3pm, but i should probably do at least one productive thing today to justify my existence.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7232376599006696005.post-82853561140743298152013-07-08T19:28:00.000-05:002013-07-11T15:13:05.732-05:00confessions of a summer housewife23 days and still married. yay!<br />
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as i have been putting away and organizing the house, <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fringe_(TV_series)">fringe</a></i> has been my background noise. halfway through season 2. forgot how much i love that show.<br />
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speaking of the house, it's finally coming together. should be ready for guests thursday, late. or friday. or sometime in november. (name that <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kmmgx_jPlKI">reference</a>)<br />
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m is now working mostly from home. today he kicked me out of the study for several hours while he was making calls. which meant i just had to go downstairs and catch up on a few shows. and eat a couple of cupcakes. life is rough.<br />
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hanging pictures on the wall is what makes a house a home.<br />
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the past few meals that i've made for dinner have included the following disclaimer: "i don't know how this is going to taste... i just kind of made it up."<br />
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i think my favorite wedding gift has to be an ice cream maker, courtesy of the lohner family. strawberry ice cream never tasted so good.<br />
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if you're not vacuuming with a <a href="http://www.dyson.com/">dyson vacuum</a>, you're doing it wrong. (thank you macy's gift cards!)<br />
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new summer songs to love:<br />
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<ol>
<li><i>brave</i>, sara bareilles</li>
<li><i>get lucky</i>, daft punk feat. pharrell williams</li>
<li><i>old skin</i>, olafur arnalds & arnor dan</li>
<li><i>love is blindness</i>, jack white</li>
<li><i>worship you</i>, vampire weekend</li>
<li><i>gone, gone, gone</i>, phillip phillips</li>
<li><i>skin</i>, zola jesus</li>
<li><i>demons</i>, the national</li>
<li><i>let her go</i>, passenger</li>
<li><i>i love it</i>, icona pop feat. charli xcx</li>
</ol>
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m and i are trying to follow a more structured daily schedule. last night we went to bed at 10pm. this morning we woke up at 6am. any bets as to how long that will last?</div>
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our neighbor has a white bulldog named "jammer." it's hilarious how squat and slow it is, with its short legs and big belly. and i love how our neighbor yells "jamma!" when he tries to run away. which, of course, he can't. because he's a bulldog. and they are funny dogs.</div>
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my husband has been wanting to play catch with someone for weeks. he's even taken to carrying his glove and baseball with him around the house. we finally went to a field today to play; i've never seen him so happy. i swear, sometimes i think i married a 5-year old. a really, really cute 5-year old.</div>
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and speaking of being married, every time i say "my husband," i think of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RubvPkuC6E">this scene</a> from <i>seinfeld.</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0